Maureen Lillywhite, 57, was invited to a garden party at Clarence House – the London home of the Prince of Wales – where he handed her one of the prestigious Business in the Community Awards for Excellence.

The community development worker was honoured for her efforts to combat social isolation, while creating more cohesive communities in Leeds, along with her outstanding community and business links.

Maureen collected the Yorkshire and Humber Marks & Spencer Sieff Award "for an individual, based in the community, who has best collaborated with business to benefit society".

The mum-of-three, who has several grandchildren, said: "I was shocked to get the award because I see it as doing my job. I was absolutely humbled by it."

She works for Leeds Cares, a Business in the Community scheme focused on encouraging and supporting businesses to make a positive impact in their community.

Her role involves matching firms with a keen sense of corporate
responsibility with organisations that need help.

Since 2003, she has worked with businesses including Yorkshire Water, Eversheds, Leeds Metropolitan University, BUPA, HBOS and Hammonds to provide trips to places including Eden Camp, Castle Howard and Harewood House.

Other activities have included organising Easter parties, sports days and picnics, plus tea dances and bingo for the elderly.

About 1,200 people have benefited from the events.

Stephen Howard, chief executive of BITC, said: "I would like to applaud Maureen for the work which has led to her being recognised as her region's champion for forging links between businesses and the local community.

"To be the recipient of the Marks & Spencer Sieff Award shows an outstanding commitment to and understanding of the importance of such relationships."

Prince Charles is president of Business in the Community –- one of The Prince's Charities.

Leeds lawyer Paul Stone, partner at DLA Piper, was made the Prince's Ambassador in Yorkshire and Humber in the BITC awards, for his work with the Pro-Help campaign, which offers free advice to 1,600 community and voluntary groups nationwide.