A Walthamstow councillor has been chosen ahead of MPs and peers to win a prestigious award for her initiatives to combat poverty.

Labour Higham Hill Ward councillor Karen Bellamy was recognised for her work to tackle inequality and help struggling families at the Grassroot Diplomat Awards, last week.

Junior cabinet member for child and family poverty has set up food hubs and was the force behind a programme at children’s centres providing struggling parents with donated baby clothes, toys and accessories.

She also actively promoted and set up access to learning via the Dolly Parton Imagination Library - which helps children under five learn more about literacy through books.

Councillor Bellamy was awarded the Grassroot Diplomat Initiative Award as Policy Driver for Poverty Action at a ceremony at the Mayfair Hotel.

Other nominees in her category were peers and MPs, including Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman.

Councillor Bellamy said: "We all share the responsibility to ensure that we strive to protect the vulnerable members of our society and work at the grassroots to put in place practical solutions which will help to improve the quality of life of our residents.

“Such initiatives are always out there; we just have to recognize them and put them to good use."