A REDDITCH woman has been honoured with a regional accolade which is given to individuals that go the extra mile for the benefit of local communities.

Kim Hunt, aged 51, was recognised for her efforts to ensure that social housing residents in Birmingham and Solihull remained comfortable and happy throughout programmes of refurbishment works taking place in their homes.

Named Resident Liaison Officer of the Year, Mrs Hunt was particularly praised for finding innovative ways to minimise any stress felt by Solihull Community Housing tenants as a result of the ongoing improvement works to their homes being carried out by her employer, Wates Living Space.

For example, Mrs Hunt learnt sign language in her spare time in order to better support residents with hearing difficulties. She also frequently collects the supermarket shopping for elderly residents and has helped those with physical difficulties to decorate their homes and move furniture.

Having worked for Wates for eight years, Mrs Hunt's friendly and enthusiastic manner has turned housing improvement works into a positive and beneficial experience for local people across the Midlands.

She was presented with an award from the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) during a ceremony at the St John’s Hotel in Solihull.

Mrs Hunt said: “I love my job so much, I’m pleased it shows. I was brought up in social housing so I can understand and respect what tenants are going through. If I can help people, nothing pleases me more than to go out of my way to assist them.”

Stewart Reid, business director of Wates Living Space, added: “Kim takes everything in her stride and is at her happiest when she is helping people.

"It is as a result of employees like Kim that we are able to deliver on our commitment to provide quality home improvements for residents across the Midlands whilst also leaving a lasting legacy of community benefits.”