A Hythe resident has been recognised for her community spirit and service with a prestigious award.

Pat Canning, 68, is the first Hampshire recipient of Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care’s Community Hero Award.

She was presented with a luxury afternoon tea hamper by the company’s Hythe branch team on the High Street.

The latest Scrivens Community Hero winner is known locally for her tireless efforts to raise funds for local charities.

Community Hero, Pat Canning with the Scrivens Hythe Branch team (Image: Scrivens Hythe)

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She is also the co-owner of the iconic Waterside Christmas Fire Engine along with her husband, Andy.

During the engine’s latest Christmas fundraising tour, Pat and her team of more than 80 volunteers raised more than £9,000 in festive donations from the local community to support local causes.

Branch manager, Maryanne Lowe, said: "We were delighted to welcome Pat and, of course, ‘Dennis’ the locally famous Waterside Christmas Fire Engine onto the high street and celebrate her extensive community work.

"Pat and her husband have been hearing care customers of ours for more than five years, so the team and I were really pleased to recognise her countless acts of kindness and endless fundraising efforts.

"We believe she truly goes above and beyond to help those in need."

Pat, who has lived locally for 46 years, trained as a computer programmer in the 1970s before working part-time as an IT technician at a local school.

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Pat Canning and Scrivens Hythe Branch Manager, Maryanne Lowe (Image: Scrivens Hythe)

She has always been passionate about giving back to the community, dedicating much of her time to voluntary work, including serving as a puppy walker for guide dogs in the past.

In a unique effort to support local charities, Pat and Andy bought the decommissioned fire engine in 2019 to help raise funds and awareness.

Following the presentation, Pat said: "I was really surprised and honoured to receive this Scrivens Community Hero nomination.

"Fundraising and helping others have always been my passion, and I thoroughly enjoy supporting my neighbours, especially now we have ‘Dennis’ the fire engine – it’s brilliant to see how much joy the engine brings to local people.

"None of it would be possible without our fantastic team of volunteers, so this award is as much for them as it is for me."