A woman who grew up in a Children's Society home has been given an award for the hard work she has put into the charity.

Sue Porter, 53, first went into the home in Rustington when she was just four and, four years ago, the society helped her find her two sisters.

Since then, Mrs Porter, of Friars Close, Hassocks, has worked to give something back.

Her work was recently recognised when she received a Whitbread Volunteer Action award.

She said: "I am delighted to have the award but someone else should have it."

Mrs Porter said the good thing about the award was it put the Children's Society on the map.

She added: "Without their support I would not have found my sisters. The society is still supporting me and I have found many friends within the society since doing this work.

"I am truly delighted to have got it - but not for me, for the society."

After Mrs Porter found her two sisters, Barbara, who lives in Oxfordshire, and Carol, who lives in Canada, she became more active in the society.

She said: "The society has always been there for me and I am trying to put something back.

"I don't actually work with the children although I do come into contact with them. My main aim is to fundraise.

"I guess it is to give to the children the values I had given to me. There are so many children in need and you can't help them all but we are trying to give children a better chance."

Mrs Porter met her two sisters in 1998, when a national newspaper flew Carol over from Canada. She sees Barbara regularly and has been over to Canada.

She said: "Because I was in care and the laws changed, I went back for my records and discovered a second girl adopted and then a third girl."

Mrs Porter now gives talks for the society and organises events to raise money.

She said: "We are the only charity that works in youth prisons and we are trying to be that stepping stone to find an alternative for them.

"Our biggest thing is safety on the streets. We have projects across the country where we have social workers and staff gaining the children's trust, trying to get them home or find somewhere safe."

Anyone wanting to make a donation to the Children's Society or find out more about its work should call its supporter action line on 0845 3001128.