Three Sussex heroes have been recognised for their dedication to the community in a national competition.

Lesley Marginson and the Crawley Hospital League of Friends were singled out for praise by judges in the Nationwide Awards for Voluntary Endeavour.

Jeremy del Strother, communications director of Nationwide, said: "The League of Friends has made an outstanding commitment to the local community and, as such, is being recognised as a true 'local hero'.

Ms Marginson said she and the League of Friends committee were thrilled by the nomination.

The committee needs to raise another £30,000 to reach its £100,000 target to build a child development centre at the hospital.

The centre will provide a safe space for children with physical and learning disabilities.

Joan Rhodes was nominated for the local hero award for her years of voluntary work with children. A Nationwide spokeswoman said Joan had provided a lifetime of service to children and families within her community in Newhaven.

In 1959, Joan started private fostering and offering holidays on the coast to children from London.

She has been a local authority foster parent since 1962 and has worked with parents to establish a mother and baby unit and a creche in the town's community centre.

Claire Willmer, from Bognor, has been involved in voluntary work for two years.

She has committed her time to a number of projects, including helping adults with learning difficulties and working within residential care homes.

All three will travel to the national finals at the House of Commons on October 23.

They are guaranteed a prize of £250, a trophy and a £500 donation to the charity of their choice.

The overall winner can donate £2,500 to a charity of their choice.