A PENSIONER who became a local celebrity by sharing old photos of Colchester online has won an award for her community work.

Cynthia Grimwood, a resident at Stanway Green Lodge care home, won the Best Community, Partnership and Collaboration award at the Prosper Awards.

Cynthia, who is in her 70s, moved into the care home in 2015 and learnt how to use a laptop on the advice of her son.

She soon became familiar with not only the laptop but also with the concept of Facebook.

She set up a Facebook page called Old Colchester and District in Pictures which shares numerous images of Colchester allowing everyone to reminisce on days gone by and comment on the future of the town.

Over the years Cynthia has built up a large following of almost 16,000 people.

The site has become increasingly popular over the years and now attracts 100 new members each week.

Aniket Kanitkar, care home manager, said: “Feedback from all her followers is positive and many comment on the effect this site has had in not only bringing the community together but to also create new friendships.

“Cynthia herself has also found new friendships and through the site has helped to reconnect many people in the community for which they are grateful.

“She helps to run reminiscence sessions at the care home where images are displayed on a projector which provides for a wonderful source of discussion and brings back many wonderful memories.

“Cynthia has also helped to organise and promote her Facebook Parties where followers are invited to the care home to meet her.”

Cynthia, who is known as Cindy, went up on stage and was presented with a glass cut trophy, a bouquet of flowers and bottle of bubbly.

She said she was shocked and surprised to win to award.

The Essex Care Sector Awards, known as The Prospers, celebrate outstanding achievements across the care sector.