A TIRELESS charity fundraiser has seen her work recognised with a special plaque at South-ampton General Hospital.

Tina Wellman, 42, has raised more than £30,000 for the hospital's new cancer research lab since her husband Dave died of the disease three years ago.

Her summer balls have become famous as for the stars they attract than the money they raise for charity - and now her work is finally being rewarded.

A plaque has been unveiled at Southampton General's New Cancer Sciences building.

Tina, of Church Hill in West End, Southampton, said: "I'm just so proud that Dave's name is finally being acknowledged and that the money raised is doing some good in helping towards saving more lives."

Tina set up the Dave Wellman Trust to raise money following the death of her husband in August 1999.

She enlisted the help of local celebrities including Matt Le Tissier, Frances Benali and actor Stephen Pinder - aka Brookside's Max Farnham.

All the stars have attended the summersballs Tina has organised at the Botley Grange Hotel over the past two years.

Last June's ball collected £15,000 to be shared between various local causes and over the past three years she has raised nearly £40,000 for good causes.

Despite holding down a full-time job, indefatigable Tina said always remains positive to cajole money out of people.

She said: "I twist people's arms by remaining positive about what I am doing.

"I am really lucky I've just got lots and lots of friends who help me out."