A Christmas Day sing-along with friends gave Gilda Margaret James the idea to produce and direct a concert about life in her birth place, Grenada.

Gilda, of Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath, came to England in 1983 and just two years later the Sunshine Group was born.

Its concerts are held over two Saturdays each year at St Andrew's Church Hall in Quadrant Road, Thornton Heath.

Gilda said: "The adults sing about growing up in the Caribbean and how times are hard and the children mainly sing English songs. It is not only people from the Caribbean that attend, so we do a good mix of music."

The group is relatively small with only 15 members, the youngest being five-years-old.

"We are always looking for new members," Gilda added, "It is easier to get children than adults as they have jobs and other commitments."

Gilda arranges the concerts, although she does get help from friends. "They help with the costumes as my eyes are not as good as they were, but I write the scripts."

Gilda, however, is a strictly behind-the-scenes person, "Sometimes I do a little turn but I prefer not to take part, I like to stay in the background."

The concerts raise funds for a variety of charities and Gilda ensures that the money is spread around. "This year we supported a church in Grenada that had been damaged in a hurricane and we helped St Andrew's. We have also supported different areas of Africa in the past."

Gilda is a reluctant hero, she said about her nomination: "I am a little scared. I don't like any fuss I like to be in the background. I like what I do, I don't look for reward, I am not that kind of person."

Gilda received two nominations. One who put her forward, Avril Haye, said: "Gilda has been involved with running a drama group for children and adults. This has involved making costumes, producing, writing and directing performances every year to raise funds for various charities worldwide.

"She works tirelessly for a woman of her age, not only do the performances raise funds for charities but also provide a sense of culture and instil a sense of responsibility for the kids involved."