A HARDWORKING mum who 'always makes things happen' is being showered with awards.

Christine Baldwin, the community champion at Asda Bolton, Moss Bank Way, has been shortlisted for both volunteer and employee of the year at the Inspire Awards.

She is also featuring in a new book celebrating north west women by the founder of the Inspire Awards, Gulnaz Brennan, 100 Women Stories.

Ms Baldwin said: "It's an absolute privilege for me to be nominated alongside wonderful women who do all sorts of things – campaigners, educators and councillors.

"My community champion role has allowed me to volunteer my time and work with all this enormous variety of people for the last eight years and help all sorts of people achieve their objectives. I'd never have done this and met all these people otherwise.

"Every week is different. For example, this week I've been out planting trees with the Woodland Trust, reading stories to children at a local nursery, delivering a careers session to secondary school pupils and helping out at a local senior citizens group."

Last year she teamed up with Urban Outreach, founder Dave Bagley said: "She's our go-to person, she really makes things happen. She believes in what she does and is so positive."

Mrs Brennan said: "We received several nominations for Christine which shows that lots of people know her and recognise her amazing work."

100 Women Stories was launched at The Last Drop yesterday.

The local mother, who has been recognised for her ongoing commitment to multiple local charities, has now been shortlisted for both volunteer and employee of the year in the Inspire Awards. The awards launched in 2015 to celebrate the achievements of local women and ‘unsung heroes’ of the community.

Gulnaz Brennan, founder of the Inspire Awards, said: "She's a very inspiring figure in Bolton ... she's one of 100 women who are changing the landscape of the North West.

"We received several nominations for Christine which shows that lots of people know her and recognise her amazing work. Inspire is all about engaging, inspiring, empowering and celebrating women.

Earlier this month, Gulnaz tweeted to say that the book featuring Christine, 100 Women 100 Stories, has gone to the printers. A statement which has left Christine’s colleagues and family members bursting with pride.

Last year Christine teamed up with fellow community champions from two other Bolton stores to help Urban Outreach, a Bolton charity which aims to help vulnerable and disadvantaged children whose families struggle when they lose access to free school meals over summer.

Dave Bagley, CEO of Outreach, said: "It's great for Christine's community work to be recognised, everyone knows her in Bolton. She's our go-to person, she really makes things happen. She believes in what she does and is so positive, enthusiastic and encouraging – she's just brilliant.”

Christine also regularly helps with local arts and craft groups, delivers healthy eating sessions at primary schools and is a familiar face at colleges chatting about career options to students. As the point of call for the Asda store’s community projects, she can also be found helping good causes receive Asda Foundation funding, like the £765 recently presented to Astley Bridge Park Bowling Club.

David Tyler, store manager of Asda Bolton, said: "Christine does so much for the local area, in her community role and in her own time as well, and it's great for her fantastic work outside the store to be recognised and appreciated – we're very proud of her."

The award winners will be announced in a ceremony at the Macron Stadium on 22nd June. As an Asda colleague and a mother, Christine is a wonderful example of an inspiring local woman this Mother’s Day