A council officer has been shortlisted for the Heart for the Arts Awards 2018, which celebrate those who overcame financial struggles to ensure arts stay at the centre of community life.

Lorna Lee, Head of Culture and Heritage Services at Waltham Forest Council, has been nominated for in the officer’s category of Best Local Authority Arts Champion.

The competition run by the National Campaign for the Arts to award council officials for their work and judges include representatives from UK Theatre and What Next? Culture.

Judges praised Ms Lee as “an incredible advocate and long serving member of the council demonstrating unfailing commitment to culture and creativity".

The winners will be announced on Wednesday February 14.