CAMPAIGNING Deborah Murphy has been recognised for her inspiring voluntary work in the community - three times over.

The hard working 39-years-old mum-of-four ended a brilliant 2005 by collecting a trio of top awards - and is hoping to make 2006 even better.

The salutes started in November when she was presented with the Big Thank You Volunteer Award by Greater Manchester Police. She collected the Lowton West Community Award in recognition of her work in the ward and followed up with the Pride of Leigh Award from the Leigh Town Centre Management Group to mark the best individual performance for community work.

Deborah, of Wigan Road, Leigh, said: "It was a brilliant year. How can you top that?"

Deborah started her pioneering work after she moved back into her childhood home in Wigan Road six years ago.

She couldn't believe the place where she had grown up had turned into a haven for drug users and criminals, took a stand and started working to give the estate back to the people.

She was thrust into the spotlight when she became spokesman for Wigan Road residents who opposed plans to build flats on the Marsh Playing fields in 2001. The campaign was a success when the scheme was rejected.

Deborah was then approached by Homewatch, where she helped residents set up schemes across the area, and became chairman of Westleigh Risk Management Committee and began to re-establish links between residents and the police.

Then when Cllr Myra Whiteside was elected the two struck up a rapport and the duo work together on a host of community projects.

Deborah is also chairman of the board of trustees working for a new community centre in Westleigh, joint chairman of Firs Renewal and governor of St Peters Junior School.

She is also a successful slimming consultant and keep fit trainer.

Deborah is this month celebrating eight years as a gold consultant with Slimming World and runs a Monday 7pm class at Leigh Conservative Club.

And when she's not doing that she leads Steps to Health prescription keep fit classes for the elderly at Howe Bridge and the College Street, Leigh, Health Centre.

Eight years ago both Deborah and her husband John, manager for a Swedish tractor components company, were over five stones heavier.

"We looked like Tweedledum and Tweedledee," she said.

Deborah joined the Slimming World class at Ashton where she lived at the time and while she went to classes John supported her from home by following her healthy eating and exercise regime. He promised that when she reached her target weight he would pay for her to go on a teaching keep fit course at Wigan and Leigh College.

She said: "I had visions of Fame, with students wearing leggings, leg warmers and sweat bands, but it was nothing like that at all. There was no lycra and lipstick."

Shortly after starting the course, and because of her attitude, she was approached to join Steps for Health when she passed and has been working with the elderly since.

She said: "They come to me on referral from the surgery with arthritis and after suffering strokes for a 12 weeks course and some have been with me for seven years. I cant get rid of them. I love it."

As for the slimming class Deborah is hoping to attract more children and pensioners.

She said: "We have a brilliant class and are hoping to strengthen it by helping a wider range of people. Classes will be free for 11-16 years olds with a paying adult and pensioners who attend for four weeks with get their fifth week free.

"Obesity in children is a worrying problem which we must fight. Weight management for children is down to the parents who should determine what they eat. People are amazed when my children come in from school and ask for a yoghurt or fruit - not biscuits, but thats what they are used to, and it is better for them. Its all down to common sense.

"I recently taught children at St Peters Infants school how to skip, play hop scotch and two balls and they had an amazing day. I blame computers and TV for the problems along with fast food.

"As for pensioners well losing just a tenth of body fat can help bring down blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and help control diabetes."

For further details of the slimming class contact Deborah on 01942 604729.