A CHARITY boss who transformed the fortunes of three failing organisations has been given national recognition for her efforts.

Joy De Souza, 80, from Brighton has been named a Point of Light by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Mrs De Souza and her husband Harold took over the House Project in 2003 when it was failing and in thousands of pounds of debt.

What started as a team of seven volunteers based in her shed has now grown to a team of 80 running two charity shops and a community centre.

The Project now delivers a broad range of community initiatives across five towns delivering everything from school equipment to counselling sessions to Christmas dinners.

All of their work is funded by two charity shops and serves five towns from Rottingdean to Seaford.

Point of Light awards recognise outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their achievements.

Mrs De Souza runs the charity alongside her normal job of renting out student accommodation.

The House Project has also managed to mentor two other failing charities, trained their staff and developed them into successful, independent organisations.

Mrs De Souza said: “I decided to start volunteering because our services were so needed in our community and it’s great that the charity has got this recognition with this award.

“I was so surprised to hear that I had been awarded a Point Of Light.

“It’s brilliant news for our friends and family and of course for the charity. Hopefully it will let more people know about the project and what we do.”

Mr Cameron said: “Under Joy’s leadership the House Project has inspired 80 volunteers to give their time to help make a difference in their local community.

“Joy’s energy and commitment to helping charities is outstanding and I am delighted to recognise her service by making her the UK’s 314th Point of Light.”

Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby said: “There are so many inspiring people working in the voluntary sector in Brighton Kemptown and it is great that Joy’s hard work and dedication to the community has been recognised.”