When Dawn McCleary’s name was put forward as this month’s Hornsea Hero, there was no hesitation in agreeing she is a truly deserving candidate.

The Seaton resident has given 25 years of continuous service to Sigglesthorne Primary School as a dinner lady – a service that has seen her nominated for the accolade by her husband, Jim and her family.

The award, presented by Freeport Hornsea and the Hornsea Post, is just reward for the hard work she puts in on a day-to-day basis.

During her time at the school, Dawn has become much loved by the pupils.

Her kind nature extends to other parts of the community too. She’s up at 6am every morning to check on an elderly lady resident in Seaton.

During her typical day she also collects and delivers newspapers for other residents in the village, which has no paper shop, before preparing the children’s lunches and cleaning the school in the afternoon.

It is a selfless effort and one that Jim feels deserves to pick up the Hornsea Hero award.

He said: “There is no stopping Dawn and she would not have it any other way. She was supposed to retire last year but she is still working hard, visiting residents of Seaton and her dad, who is not very well at the moment.

“Every day is a challenge to her and she never tires of helping people. For her to be put forward as a Hornsea Hero will please her to bits and in her own selfless way she will tell everyone that she does not deserve it.

“But I, my son Michael, daughter Karen and our grandchildren are really proud of Dawn and all the good work she does.”

Simon Tudor, Freeport centre manager, said: “It is a pleasure to honour Dawn with the Hero award this month. Heroes come in many forms and Dawn’s loyalty to the school over the last 25 years and her kindness in caring for people around her show that she is undoubtedly a worthy winner.

“Everyone at Freeport wishes Dawn every happiness for the future and I am sure if she is able will be serving school dinners for many years to come.”

Dawn will receive shopping vouchers from Hornsea Freeport as her prize.