Serena Leeanne loves nothing better than to spend her time helping children in her neighbourhood get fit and stay out of trouble.

The 33-year-old's dedication to running a boxing club has seen her nominated for an award.

Serena, who lives in New Parks, Leicester, volunteers five nights a week to run boxing classes to keep young people out of trouble.

She was nominated by Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Colin Hall, for the women in the community category of the Jubilee Awards ceremony run by the LeicestHERday trust, which recognises the city's most successful and hard-working women.

Serena grew up in care, but she uses her difficult childhood as motivation for her inspirational club, New Parks Community Boxing Gym.

She said: "I can't believe I have been nominated – I really didn't expect it.

"Being in care was a bad experience for me – I was abused and I was depressed – but now I want to offer young people support and somewhere to come.

"We work on fitness, respect and self-esteem for all people in the community, regardless of colour or faith."

Serena, who taught herself to box, set up the club two years ago and has since organised fairs, community events and activities to engage young people.

She was nominated for the award by Councillor Hall, who was impressed by her work when he visited the gym last year.

He said: "She has made such an important contribution to the life and well-being of so many young people in the New Parks community.

"She and her husband Stuart are great people, with two lovely sons. It's always difficult to manage family responsibilities and other things but they do it so well."

Serena's husband, Stuart Phillips, who coaches at the gym, said she deserved the award because she always went the extra mile.

He said: "What started off as eight hours of volunteering has turned into Serena giving sometimes more than 30 hours of her time a week to this club.

"She helps some of the most difficult to work with young people."

Yearly membership for the club is £2.50, with each class costing £1.20 for juniors and £1.50 for seniors.

The Jubilee Awards takes place on November 19 at Curve theatre, between 6pm and 10pm.

There are four categories – women in the community, women in business, women in the workplace and personal heroes.

Vik Patel, Jubilee Awards co-ordinator, said: "We've had lots of interest but there there's still time to get more nominations in."

The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 29, at 5pm.

To nominate someone, go online or write to The Jubilee Awards, The LeicestHERday Trust, Adult Education College, 2 Wellington Street, Leicester LE1 6HL.