A retired teacher who helps keep First Choice Homes Oldham's (FCHO) Tensing Street Community Centre running smoothly has been named the housing association's August Hidden Hero.

Mags Poulton, 61, from Oldham, is the volunteer lead at the centre, where she coordinates its day-to-day running, activities and events. She also organises the centre's popular Christmas Day party each December.

Poulton took on the role around five years ago after a career in primary school teaching. Since then she has helped make the centre more accessible, and around 80 different people now use it each month.

"When I heard I'd been named a hidden hero, my first reaction was, 'oh no, it's not about me'," she said.

"I'm just the one at the head of the pack who pulls it all together, a bit like the grandma of the family. It does make me proud, and I'm glad the centre has been recognised, but really the centre is all about the people."

She added: "For me, it's always been about getting people through the door however we can, whether that's a fair, a coffee morning or a police surgery so they know the centre is here. Once they've come in once, we try to give them a reason to come back."

Ghazalla Iqbal, FCHO project and partnerships officer, presented Poulton with the award, which comes with a £50 shopping voucher.

Iqbal said: "Mags is the heart of the centre and a tireless champion for the community. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the centre is welcoming, inclusive, and running smoothly for everyone.

"She manages activities that respond to the needs of local people, from working alongside the police to help tackle crime, to creating opportunities for adults with learning difficulties to develop new skills.

"Thank you, Mags, for your unwavering commitment, kindness and dedication. Your hard work and passion for helping others has made a lasting difference to the centre and the wider community."