The founder of a Mansfield charity set up to help people affected by domestic violence and abuse has won Mansfield Building Society’s 2023 Community Star Award.

Jordan Cotton runs Butterfly, a charity that specialises in supporting victims of domestic violence.

It provides counselling, legal support, and liaison with the police and other support services — as well as emergency funding for clothing, housing, food, transport, and much more.

Jordan founded the charity around 18 months ago and volunteers with it, while balancing the needs of her job as a mental health nurse and being a mother to five children.

While she came away as this year’s Community Star, the building society also recognised two other volunteers for their contribution to the local community.

Sherwood Seals Swimming Club’s Linda Bennett was commended for more than 30 years’ service helping disabled adults and children learn to swim, including paralympic medallist, Charlotte Henshaw.

Nina Cecil was also singled out for her work with Community Action Response (CAR) Foodbank, Ollerton.

A project set up in response to the pandemic, with Nina as a founding member, the group has already delivered more than 200,000 meals since it began.

Presenting the awards, The Mansfield’s chief executive, Paul Wheeler, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to see the Community Star Awards return after the pandemic and be able to recognise some truly wonderful people.

“This year, we had over 40 nominations, which reflects the strength of the community spirit in our local area.

“Whether it’s new initiatives like Butterfly, or the years of dedication and commitment given by people like Linda, we believe volunteers make a real difference to the community.

“As a local building society we’re incredibly honoured to be recognising these people and the terrific work they do.”