A WORCESTER charity which supports disadvantaged people has paid tribute to the "extraordinary efforts" of a volunteer who transformed a derelict plot of land in Droitwich into a new garden.

Onside has given its Lesley McKay Stronger Communities Award to Liz Pettican for her community work in the spa town. “Liz led a team of dedicated volunteers in regenerating land which had been overgrown and neglected for more than twenty years,” said Kate Harvey, chief executive at Onside. “It is a remarkable thing to have done for the community and the award is well deserved. They have done a fantastic job, and the garden is beautiful.”

The award, named in memory of Onside's Lesley McKay, who worked with the Worcester-based charity for 15 years, was presented by Mrs McKay's daughter Helen at an award ceremony at the Bank House Hotel in Bransford. The ceremony was part of an innovative and unusual business-backed charity event, The Secret Elephant Show, a "theatrical dinner", which featured performances written and performed by University of Worcester drama students.

Onside has been developing its range of services in Worcestershire since 1993 and now has more than 250 staff and active volunteers. It works to improve the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable adults, helping more than 3,000 last year.