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Gipton community stalwart's special birthday date at Number 10
Today was an extra-special 60th birthday for Gipton community stalwart Terri Loney.
Terri marked the milestone by attending a Downing Street reception in honour of Britons who have made a big difference on their doorsteps.
Terri, who chairs residents' group Gipton Together, has been a local volunteer for more than three decades.
She is also a board member of housing organisation East North East Homes and also sits as a residents' representative on the board of Easel, the 1bn regeneration scheme.
The grandmother-of-seven began volunteering as a youth worker, helping run events and activities for Gipton youngsters.
"They got a lot of criticism," Terri said. "But there was a big community centre with hardly anything for the younger ones to do. We had to put that right."
Terri also revived Gipton Gala, which sees huge crowds gather at Fearnville Sports Centre's fields each July.
Gipton Together uses the funds raised by the gala on a programme of sports and social activities, including cheerleading, ballet, street dancing and karate.
"I had gone on to the streets and into schools to ask young people what they wanted," Terri said.
"They said they liked the arts but it was difficult to access them. We started out with a dance club with just a few people, now we have about 400 kids on the books with people coming from Swarcliffe, Seacroft and Harehills too."
Terri paid tribute to the people who work as teachers and instructors for Gipton Together.
She said the group's ethos has always been to inspire the young people to achieve to the best level they can.
"We work as a team, it couldn't happen without the teachers. The fact the children keep coming back year after year says it all really," Terri added.
Terri was told of her invitation to No 10 by East Leeds MP George Mudie. He said: "Terri's commitment to her community is total. She is thoroughly deserving of this recognition."
Gipton Gala was first established by the late Eddie Manning"
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Heavy snow showers
Temperature: -2 C to -0 C
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Tomorrow
Sunny spells
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