EVERY community has its stalwarts and in the Polsloe ward of Exeter it happens to be Rachel Lyons.

The former local councillor is stepping down as chairman of the Polsloe Community Association and, to recognise everything she has done for local residents, Rachel was nominated for the Echo's Bouquet of the Week.

Stephen Pettet-Smith, vice-chairman of the association, said: "From the outset of setting up the association she volunteered to be part of it. Her previous experience as a local councillor has been absolutely invaluable.

"The principal thing we have been concentrating on for the last three years has been to raise awareness of the need for community facilities in the Polsloe ward, and that's really focused on Polsloe Park.

"Rachel has been central in the organisation of the annual Polsloe Party in the Park event which attracts a very lively crowd of local residents each year. Rachel is just a pleasure to work with. We are encouraged to think about the 'Big Society' and Rachel has been the living embodiment of that."

The association was set up three years ago and Rachel's main vision was to have an annual party in the park. The first one was a huge success attracting around 3,000 people.

Rachel, 66, of Polsloe Road, Exeter, recalled: "The association rose out of the city council's My Neighbourhood Project. Polsloe has not got a community centre so it's quite difficult to do anything. My vision was a party in the park which is what we did.

"There are other things planned and people have got lots of ideas so hopefully more things will happen.

"The community association needs to keep evolving and if I stay as chairman it might not move on. There are people younger than me who want to come on the committee who are full of ideas. I will stay on the committee but it's time I stepped back and let someone else lead.

"I would like to thank the committee members for their hard work over the last three years. We are very much a team."

Rachel is a retired nurse but still works part-time at the DIY store B&Q.

She is currently recovering from surgery after a routine mammogram revealed she had breast cancer.

Rachel said: "I would say to anyone that if you get offered a mammogram have it because I did not have a lump. The care I have received has been superb."

IF you know of anyone who you think deserves an Echo Bouquet of the Week, send the details to Sue Kemp at skemp@expressandecho.co.uk or call 01392 442477.