A woman who set up a charity for underprivileged children and families living in Brighton is this week’s Local Hero.

Anne Bickmore, from Peacehaven, set up The ABC Fund to provide opportunities for children to go on holidays and have days out together, and won a Halifax Giving Extra Award for her hard work.

Ms Bickmore said: “It is a tribute to all who volunteer and work tirelessly for the ABC fund, without them I would not have benefitted.

“The children that the ABC Fund supports truly deserve the trips and treats we provide.”

In 2013, Ms Bickmore received a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday honours for her work.

The charity, which was founded in 1991, organises events such as an annual trip to the pantomime, as well as providing presents and hampers at Christmas. In January more than 400 children attended a performance of Beauty and the Beast. Ms Bickmore organises fundraising activities and sources sponsors, to ensure the work of the charity can continue.

Friend and treasurer of the ABC Fund, Valerie Caswell, nominated Ms Bickmore for the Halifax Giving Extra Award for going above and beyond for the people in her community.

The Giving Extra Awards programme is a UK-wide search for inspiring people that go the extra mile to give something back.

Claire McKain, community ambassador for the bank, said: “Halifax received thousands of nominations nationwide, so we’re delighted that Anne has won a Halifax Giving Extra Award in Peacehaven.

“The work she has done for the community is outstanding and truly deserves the recognition.”

Each regional winner receives £300 in bonus bond vouchers and the national winner will receive a further £2,500 in vouchers with a £2,500 donation to a good cause of their choice.

David Nicholson, group director, Halifax Community Bank, said: “We believe that we should recognise and celebrate people like Anne who are catalysts for positive and lasting change.”