The woman behind a shop where everything is free has been shortlisted for a Pride of Britain award.

Maya Amangeldiyeva, who runs a community cafe and free shop in Herne Bay with volunteers has been put up for Fundraiser of The Year.

The 35-year-old said she “just started crying” when a camera crew from ITV came to tell her the news after recently winning the regional category.

She recalled: “We had a couple of difficult days, the food bank was busy and other things went on and I thought ‘I just need one bit of good news to keep me going’.

“I was just standing outside smoking and a man said ‘Turn around’.

“I said why, and he said ‘Just turn around’.

“I always say to people ‘Don’t tell me what to do’ so I said that to him but he insisted.

“When I did look behind me there was a whole camera crew. I wasn’t expecting it.

“Then I just started crying.”

She won the South East section of the competition, having been nominated by people she has helped, putting her forward for the national prize.

Ms Amangeldiyeva wants to dedicate her award to all the people who help and donate to the charity.

The Herne Bay resident added: “It’s a huge team effort, I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people who support it, without those people I’m nothing.

“I’m going to walk on the red carpet for all of them. I will dress up like a queen and walk for the whole community and everyone that’s struggling.”

Ms Amangeldiyeva started the charity work unofficially in 2015 with her community centre and cafe.

In December last year, she set up the free shop and a month later organised a furniture bank.

She spoke to KentOnline when she set up the store, revealing anyone can use it, the only stipulation being items are not sold on.

The Pride of Britain Awards will be held next month at Grosvenor House in London.