LYNDA Herbert is the latest nominee for the Daily Echo's Community Stars campaign.

The volunteer minibus driver ferries youngsters and elderly folk who would otherwise struggle to get out, taking them to youth groups, lunch clubs and shopping trips.

Now colleagues from one of the many community groups she serves have nominated her for the Daily Echo’s Community Stars campaign.

The mum-of-one, from Holbury, has spent six years driving a bus provided by Community First New Forest.

Groups she serves include the organisation’s New Forest Young Carer Service plus a number of other lunch clubs and community groups, including the Monday Dibden Club and Knit and Knatter.

She also prepares dinners and entertainment at Barton Lunch club and has been Akela at 14th New Forest East Scouts for eight years.

She previously volunteered at The Ark Pre School and now has a one-day-a-week paid role driving Community First’s Call and Go shopping service for pensioners, but sometimes sacrifices it for her voluntary duties.

The organisation’s young carer’s coordinator Marie Shotbolt, who nominated her, said: “Lynda is the most generous person I know with her time and support.

“She goes above and beyond to help other people.”

Lynda, 48, said: “I see it as fun rather than volunteering. I enjoy taking people out for the day and knowing they are having a good time even if they are just coming out in the bus for a ride.”

The Community Stars campaign, in association with Aster, will run until Friday, August 22, when Daily Echo editor-in-chief Ian Murray, Aster’s regional director Jean Dalziel and their customer board member John Cockaday will choose the winners.

First place will receive £500 and £250 to a charity of their choice, second place will be given £250 and £100 to charity, then six highly commended nominations will be given £100 and £50 to charity.

A community star can be any member of the public who goes above and beyond to serve their community.