AN inspirational school governor has been given an award for helping to transform the grounds of her York school.

Jane Phythian, who uses a wheelchair, was presented with a Big Difference Award for her work at Hempland Primary School.

The awards, for those who make a difference to their communities, are given by The Big Life Company, a national organisation which helps people given a raw deal in life.

Jane, of Monkton Road, whose son Ashley, 11, attends the school, is also a member of the friends of the school committee.

She runs a support group for the Children's Society, offers respite care at her home for children with complex health needs, and does volunteer conservation work.

Jane led a campaign to transform the school grounds from asphalt and grass, part of which could only be used in the summer, into an imaginative and stimulating play area.

She consulted children, staff and parents, and led a survey of the grounds, to produce a list of ideas, and also secured funding and recruited volunteers.

The grounds now have an outside classroom/play area, seating areas, picnic tables, climbing walls, a stage, a grass mound, two adventure trails, planters, bird and bat boxes, a giant draughts set, five large solid wood bear, a memorial garden, and security cameras. Jane is now planning phase two of the project, which will concentrate on developing the school's sports facilities and a wildlife area.

Fellow governor Anne Rylatt, who nominated Jane for the award, said: "Winning a Big Difference Award will help maintain the motivation for this second phase of the scheme.

"It will also rightly reward Jane, who understands so well the importance of appreciation and practices it in all her dealings with other people.

"Finally, and possibly most importantly, it will demonstrate to anyone who has ever had the remotest inclination of getting involved in voluntary work that they can succeed. Jane personifies the adage 'where there's a will there's a way'."

Jane attended a ceremony in Leeds, when she was presented with the award.

She said: "I was very shocked and surprised, but pleased, and, when it sank in, I was very proud."

Updated: 10:11 Wednesday, April 28, 2004