A MOTHER-of-two, who beat her own demons to transform the lives of hundreds of 'difficult' children, has been given the ultimate thanks, in front of millions of television viewers.

Despite a tough upbringing and a lengthy battle with alcoholism, Pam Redican, of Milnthorpe, officially became one of the country's unsung heroes on Wednesday night, when she was awarded a prestigious Pride of Britain Award in a star-studded ceremony.

Mrs Redican was nominated after she re-mortgaged her home in the village and ploughed £750,000 into starting up Wings School, in nearby Whasset, which provides residential care and education for dozens of teenage pupils with emotional and behavioural problems.

At the glittering prize-giving, hosted by Carol Vorderman and aired on ITV1, she joined inspirational members of the public from all walks of life - all of whom have shone in the face of adversity.

For full story and picture see the October 12 edition of The Westmorland Gazette.