In the run-up to the announcement of the Feltham Citizen of the Year 2009, we meet some more of the hard-working people whose selfless work often goes unrecognised.

Retirement means helping out

Art-lover Pearl Inman has dedicated her life to helping people find their inner artist.

The retired arts teacher, who has been teaching since she was 18, taught extra classes voluntarily even while she was working full time.

Retirement at 62 did not stop her and for the last 10 years all her spare time has gone on teaching the young and old alike.

Now aged 71, the Hawthorn Road resident volunteers at Feltham Arts Association, and specialises in soft furnishing and upholstery and arts and crafts.

"I love watching people progress and gain confidence, they reallygrow in their sense of self-worth," she said. "I want to continue to share my knowledge as long as I am able to."

She teaches everything from sewing lessons for young, single mums to embroidery for teenage boys struggling at school, and also supervises activities for parties and school holidays.

She loves teaching crafts like sewing because they are important life-long skills, and also feels that other subjects such as maths and history can be taught through art.

Ruth cites a love of creativity as the reason for her art passion.

She says: "Art is not just painting or drawing, it's anything that uses people's creativity.All ages and nationalities come together under a common cause, an 80-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy can talk and work together with the same goals."

She has also volunteered for Hounslow Mediation Service as a committee worker, and set up a Gingerbread Group for single parents in Feltham to get together with their kids and enjoy fun activities.

Mrs Inman has three adult children and her grandchildren go to Edward Pauling Primary School, in Redford Close, where she also volunteers.

Mum's brave young supporter

Most youngsters would be lost for what to do if their parents suffered a stroke, but not Emma Bayley.

The resourceful 10-year-old, of Marlborough Road, Feltham, has helped save her mum's life not once but EIGHT times - most recently a few days before Christmas.

Sue Bayley, 43, had just returned from shopping with her daughter and 14-year-old son Daniel, who has Down's Syndrome, when she had 'another turn'.

Emma, who studies at Victoria Junior School, in Victoria Road, Feltham, calmly phoned for an ambulance and made sure her brother, a pupil at Oaklands School in Isleworth, was all right while her mother drifted in and out of consciousness.

Proud dad Adrian, a 41-year-old security agent, said: "I don't think most other girls would cope in her position, but Emma just takes it all in her stride.

"She doesn't bat an eyelid and she's so good with Daniel, helping him with his homework and getting him into his pyjamas."

As for Emma, who has been nominated in the Young Citizen of the Year category, the keen swimmer said modestly 'it just comes naturally'.

Mary gets busier and busier

Dome people may struggle to fill the days once they retire but for Mary Brown life has been busier than ever.

In the three years since she gave up her council job the determined 66-year-old, from Feltham, has stacked up a mountain of responsibilities at Edward Pauling Primary School.

She was nominated by head teacher Gabrielle Quinnen for her 'phenomenal contribution' to school life, which includes running the uniform shop, helping out in classes, accompanying day trips and even covering the dining hall when a dinner lady is off sick.

On hearing she had been nominated in the Volunteer of the Year category, Mary said: "I was shocked when they phoned me, but in a nice way. I was involved with the building of the school, when I worked for the council's sites buildings department, and live just round the corner so it seemed natural to help out there once I retired. "I really enjoy my time there and schools need all the help they can get."

But Mary, who has also been chair of governors at Edward Pauling,in Redford Close, for a year, does not confine herself to just helping out at the school. She has also been chair of the

Scout Fellowship for Heston and Isleworth for 10 years. "I don't think you should just sit and vegetate once you retire," said the Southcote Avenue resident. "Volunteering is very rewarding and helps keep me lively."

Former postie delivers artworks

Former postman Norman Oakes has helped brighten up Feltham with dozens of pieces of artwork over the years, as well as inspiring others to follow his lead.

The much-loved grandfather-of-10, who lives in Staines Road, Bedfont, runs mosaic classes at Hanworth Recreation Centre every Tuesday, at 6.30pm.

Norman, who did his rounds in Feltham for more than 30 years, got the bug for mosaics seven years ago after seeing an advert for a course.

He went on to create striking displays for schools, including Feltham Hill Juniors, parks and hospitals.

"I've always dabbled in art," said Norman, who has run nearly a dozen marathons and is nominated in the Volunteer of the Year category.

"I took to mosaics like a duck to water and it's since taken over my life.

"I like making abstract art using things like driftwood and whatever I can lay my hands on really."

Ruth Wood, of Feltham Arts Association, described Norman as a 'fantastic man'.

"The ladies love him and he makes a cracking cup of tea," she added.

A talent for others

A group of Longford School pupils and neighbours have a passion for helping others, according to the teachers who have nominated them in the Young Citizen of the Year category.

Laura Beerman and Russell Webb, both 17, set up Coaching for You at Longford School after finding that younger pupils had a need for an outlet where they could express their problems. "I'm quite excited and feel really privileged," said Laura, of Ruscombe Way. "I had no idea this competition even existed."

Her classmate, Russell, who lives just a few doors away in the same street, was also delighted by his nomination.

Both students not only lend a friendly ear to fellow pupils, but also help organise events such as carol concerts and charity fundraisers.

Last Friday, Laura helped organise the Red Nose Day fundraising event which saw teachers do wacky things with their hair. "I like helping people, it gives you a good feeling,I would like to think if I was in the same position someone would do it for me," she said.

Russell also got into the spirit of the day with a fancy dress event to help pull in the cash.

He said: "I've been very fortunate in my life and I think it's important to do what you can to help other people."