Andrea Martin is a "flower worthy hero.”

That is according to Laura Tuck who has nominated her as the Whitehaven News Person of the Week.

Andrea has a different view: “I am just one of a group of eight. Perhaps I am more visible because I am chairman of the of the Distington Action Against Hunger Group.

“Before Covid we were the Distington Fair Trade Group - buying leftover or end of range food from the supermarkets for £25 a week and giving out bags for a donation of £1 - although if someone did not have the money they would not go without the food.”

Before Covid-19 the group was giving out around 50 bags of food a week, just to people within their own community.

Since lockdown, they have been doling double that number and are answering requests from surrounding areas including Pica and Gilgarran.

While the food delivery is essential it is not the only important thing.

“There was a man renting a house here. He called us and nearly cried when I delivered food. He had nobody. Now he rings before a food parcel is due to ask us to pick up a prescription or something else. This contact is so important.We can help people feel they are not alone.”

Andrea has a grown family. Her son Nathan helps out with her group. Daughter, Courtney, is on sick leave at the moment but usually works as a carer.

As well as her work for the hungry and vulnerable, Andrea is also a youth worker, running the local youth group.

She received a certificate from the High Sheriff which again, she said, belongs to all the group.

But Laura tuck sees here as the force behind it all.

"Since even before the lockdown she has done so much for the Distington Community. “You can guarantee if you ever need a thing she is right there. Since our Covid 19 Lockdown she has spent all day every day going round the whole Distington village to vulnerable and elderly people’s houses giving out food parcels, hot meals, bread and milk, offering her services, you name it, this wonderful woman is doing it. She is our local hero and I believe she needs some appreciation."