THE organiser of a popular playgroup in Stoke Climsland has been recognised for her village spirit with a Community Champion Award from Tesco.

A church full of mothers and excited toddlers applauded as Jan Parsons was presented with her surprise bouquet of flowers last week.

Mrs Parsons runs the Wednesday club Whizzkids (WoW) and was nominated for the award. WoW was set up in 2006 as one of several local community initiatives run by Stoke Climsland Parish Church for young families and Jan took over soon after.

Alan Woollcombe, who presented the bouquet from Tesco's Callington store, said: 'So many people nominated Jan for this bouquet and it is obvious to see why. She really puts a lot of heart into the community, and people wanted to say thanks.'

Jan said: 'We are a very open group and everybody is welcome. It is completely free and the age range is from nought to school age. If everybody came, it would be 113 regulars.'

Activities include an activity table supplied by Duchy College, music, games, the hokey-kokey and a prayer.

'It is not just mums who attend,' said curate the Rev Marilyn Elliott. 'It is more an 'adult and baby/toddler' group — all are made to feel very welcome. Where else can busy childminders go and have a cuppa and a home-made biscuit given them?

'What happens on a Wednesday morning is only the tip of the iceberg. Jan and her husband Deri spend Tuesday afternoons setting up for WoW, then Jan makes the biscuits ready for the refreshment break. Then, of course, time has to be spent clearing up after all the adults and children leave. So my heartfelt thanks to Jan — she is one in a million.'

Nicky Alder, a mother of two, said:?'Jan is possibly the most selfless person I know and incredibly proactive. I moved to Kelly Bray a couple of years ago and was quite lost. Jan contacted me because she heard I was struggling.

'Coming here was the difference between surviving and not surviving — the community spirit is fantastic. Both Harry and Anna love it. Jan is amazing.'

l Callington portreeve Karen Gold, who retires from her role this week, has also been given the title of a 'Community Champion' for putting 'her heart and soul' into the community.

'Karen is an amazing women who has worked tirelessly for two years as portreeve of our town,' said Andy Burnard from Callington Lions, in nominating her.

'She has a passion for her community, supporting both young and old alike. I have been privileged to have worked with her on the Callington carnival/festival committee, my son Jonny's sponsored walk, various things at the community college, the children's monthly film show, the discos and other events at the town hall and through the lions.

'Karen is always there, and she has made a huge contribution to our town.'