A holistic therapist who has written two books has received a special award from Cornwall Council.

Sandra Bray, who lives near Helston, was presented with her certificate last week at County Hall as one of 60 inspiring people over the age of 60.

The nominations for 60 over 60 started earlier this year to recognise the achievements of 60 people in the county who have helped to inspire others to live happy and healthy lives in their later years.

Sandra was chosen within the cultural category for her books and articles.

She said: "I work part-time in the NHS, am also a holistic therapist and have written two books. My first book (Odd Days of Heaven) came runner-up in a national book writing competition and my second book (Even More Days of Heaven) was printed two years later. I have had several articles published in both Kindred Spirit and More to Life and my books and articles are of the self-empowerment genre.

"My working background has engendered a desire to provide the stage for people to continue to learn and move forward in life as I believe learning is a lifelong project and can assist in motivating us to expand our knowledge and understanding."

Originally from Penzance, having attended Lescudjack School, she left the area many years ago to join the Royal Air Force, before settling near Helston.

She added: "There are many opportunities in Cornwall to take part in diverse activities which can be found from dowsing around the old stones of our countryside to foraging on the seashore. I would recommend for us all to always be open to what is possible as there may be opportunistic openings for a change in direction, leading us to live interesting lives. Our mind-set is very powerful and if we can deem our lives to be a full and overflowing cup each day we can change it for the better."

Sandra also volunteers Reiki healing for distressed cats and dogs at the rescue centre in Hayle and she is also a carer for her mother.

She enjoys various groups and courses of learning, as well as line dancing at her local village hall.

Her other interest is Tarot, which she reads in a shop in Penzance on Thursday afternoons, where signed copies of her books are sold.