A HARLOW woman, whose campaign to grow and distribute food from her home and an allotment, has been named BBC Essex Volunteer of the Year.

Back in April. Carly Burd hit the national headlines when vandals allegedly poured salt onto an allotment the disabled woman was working on near Fold Croft in Harlow.

The social media film of a distraught Carly relating what happened went vital and a gofundme page that had a few hundred pounds grew to a staggering £254, 213.

Television channels from across the country covered the story as Carly’s story, in a cost of living crisis resonated with many many people.

After all the glitz and glam of Thursday night, Carly will no doubt return to her cause of “A Meal From Me With Love”.

YH understands that after nearly six months, hardly any of the money has been spent as mother-of-three Carly faced red tape in setting up a community interest company.

With that hurdle reportedly overcome, it should leave the path clear for Carly to sign the lease from Harlow Council, to take over the Canons Gate allotment and transform it into a place where not only people can grow their own food but also where they can meet and help each other.

Finally, we did ask Essex Police how their investigation is progressing.

A spokesperson said:

“We know the impact crime has on the victim, particularly if your property is broken into or damaged.

“We have conducted a thorough investigation into this incident and, at this stage, this has not yielded any further investigative leads that we are able to follow.

“However, no case is ever closed, and pending any new verifiable information coming to light, we will re-investigate.”