A mother who runs a popular children and parent group based in a Willesden pub has been recognised for her efforts at a prestigious volunteering awards ceremony.

Sharmine Chowdhury-Tse, who runs National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Bumps & Babies and Busy Rascals at Queensbury Pub, in Walm Lane, was named Parent Supporter of the Year for London at the regional NCT Stars Awards.

The pregnant mother-of-one, who volunteers at the NCT, started the group more than three years ago to help new parents deal with post natal depression, drawing from her difficult experience of being a new mother in a foreign environment.

Commenting on receiving the award, Ms Chowdhury-Tse said: “It is an absolute honour to be recognised for all the volunteering I do for the community. It comes as a great surprise but I am very proud.”

She now joins the shortlist for the national NCT Stars Awards along with winners from the other UK regions which will be presented at a special event at the House of Commons on September 9.

Philip Rosser, head of volunteering at NCT, said: “The support and enthusiasm that NCT’s volunteers give to the charity is invaluable and makes a huge difference to our work.

“The NCT Stars Awards are a wonderful opportunity for us to say thank you and well done to these often unsung heroes, supporting parents in so many ways through their first 1,000 days.”