AFTER quietly supporting the Royal Gwent Hospital for 15 years, a Cwmbran pensioner will get some well-earned time in the limelight having been nominated for an award at the Night of Honour.

Edith Pople, 82, from Oakfield, Cwmbran wanted to put a blanket over her GranddaughterÕs baby, who had sadly passed away at the hospital but was told by staff they were short. She offered to make them some, and has been helping the hospital out by crocheting blankets for premature babies at the hospital for the 15 years since.

Mrs Pople spends more than three weeks crafting the hand stitched blankets to go in the cots on the ward and has so far made and donated more than 200.

"IÕm always after wool," jokes the Mrs Pople "I buy some myself and get people to donate some to me.

"I like to use pale colours for the blankets, blues,lemons,greens and pinks for little girls.

"I think itÕs important to try and help as the hospital has to pay out a lot of money for different things and I donÕt mind helping out with a few bits they need."

Friend Glyn Jeffreys, also 82, who nominated the Ebenezer church parishioner, said: "She goes about it all very quietly, I only found out recently when she asked if I knew anyone with spare wool and asked what she wanted it for. I think she deserves some praise."

The Night Of Honour will be held at the KingÕs Church on September 23 from 6pm. Entry is free with music and comedy on the bill too.

Nominations have now closed. Winners will be selected by a panel involving members of the community such as police officers, businessmen and public servants.

The categories are: Neighbour of the Year; Young Person of the Year; Above and Beyond Award, for someone who has gone that extra mile; Parent of the Year; Public Service Superhero; Community Organisation of the Year; and Volunteer of the Year.