Her foundations may lay a few miles to the east but Helen Cox could easily be considered a pillar of the Swanscombe community after settling there 15 years ago.

The 58-year-old, born and bred in Gravesend, has immersed herself in fundraising activities to help fellow residents of all ages.

Two years ago she came to the aid of 100 elderly neighbours when she helped provide personal panic alarms after a pensioner was viciously mugged.

Now she has decided to help the younger generation with a campaign to provide 300 schoolchildren with high-visibility reflective wear.

Helen, of Radfield Place, off Broomfield Road, said: “Every morning I catch the bus to work and I see the children and so many near-accidents.

“They walk along with their headphones in or playing on their phones.

“With the winter months coming, it will be dark and even if the children do not see a vehicle, the vehicle will see them if they are wearing some kind of reflective wear.”

Helen has set up an online fundraising page and hopes to collect enough money to provide vests and arm bands.

The divorcee started fundraising for the Swanscombe community in 2014 after Dartford borough councillor Pat Scanlan was mugged outside his home.

During his stay in hospital, Helen, who works for the NHS, befriended Mr Scanlan and decided to help other elderly people.

She collected enough money for 50 hand-held panic alarms, with a further 50 donated by Swanscombe company, A+ Security.

“I just like doing things for the wonderful people here,” said Helen, who grew up on Kings Farm in Gravesend before living in Devon and then moving to Swanscombe.

“It is just fantastic and like a village where everyone mucks in together.

“Some here probably still see me as a newcomer but I love the community spirit and I love the people. We help each other.”

To donate to Helen’s online campaign, search crowdfunding.justgiving.com/helen-cox-5