A Forest Gate mum has won two National Childbirth Trust awards for transforming its Newham branch.

Kelly Drake was presented with a NCT national commendation and a prize for most innovative volunteer at the regional NCT Star Awards on Saturday in recognition of her dedication and hard work since becoming branch chair two years ago.

She will now go forward to the national rounds of the NCT Star Awards which will be held at the House of Lords in September.

Kelly, who was accompanied to the awards ceremony by eight of her committee members, said it had been “motivating” to win.

“It is very nice to get a thank you and have some public recognition for the work that we do,” she said. “We had a great evening as a team and learnt a lot more about our national organisation.”

Kelly, a mum-of-two, says she was so inspired by other NCT nominees that she plans to introduce some new initiatives to the Newham group in the coming months. These include a new baby cafe/breastfeeding gathering for new mums at the Rabbit Hole in Stratford, which will start in September.

Kelly first became involved with the NCT when she was pregnant with her first child, India, and joined one of the branch’s antenatal classes.

Her achievements to date include reaching out to more families by introducing dads’ meet ups, a mums-to-be group, increasing the group’s social media presence and organising free antenatal classes for vulnerable and younger women.

*A NCT fundraising teaparty will take place at the Salvation Army in Paul Street, Stratford, on Thursday from 2.30pm. Entry costs £2 per adult, £2 for the first child and £1 each for additional children (maximum charge of £5 per family).

Read more: Forest Gate mum nominated for two parenting charity awards