A WOMAN from Hartford has been announced as a finalist for an award by the UK’s leading retirement housebuilder.

Christine Jennings, 80, has been shortlisted as a regional finalist for the Inspirational Generation award by McCarthy and Stone.

After a career in floristry and still in the wilderness after the passing of her mother, Christine decided to begin painting flowers in watercolour, turning them into cards and selling to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Christine still dedicates much of her life to creating and selling cards, with every idea and painting giving her a new challenge.

In June, one national winner will be selected by a panel of judges and awarded a cash prize of £2,000.

Nine regional winners will also each receive £200 to be donated to their charity of choice and a £50 hamper.

Christine said: “My House Manager Emma Naylor encouraged me to enter the Inspirational Generation competition because I enjoy painting flowers and creating the cards to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and I enjoy giving my time and helping worthy causes as often as I can.

“I think it’s important we recognise the achievements of older people because we all have so much to give and learn.”

Fiona Brooks, regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone north west, said: “Our search for the Inspirational Generation not only resulted in a high level of entries, but the standard was truly remarkable.

“Many people in North West came forward with tales of triumphs over adversity, the most wonderfully colourful life stories, and chronicles of achievements and experiences and each and every individual entry demonstrated just how inspiring today’s older people are.

“Shortlisting was an incredibly difficult task and we are thrilled that Christine is one of the regional finalists in McCarthy and Stone’s North West region.

“Our congratulations go to our finalists for getting the recognition they deserve and we wish them all the best of luck in the next stage of the competition.”