A Harpenden woman who has become a fundraising and internet sensation by wearing charity shop outfits every day for a year has been commended for her pioneering idea.

Caroline Jones has received a special commendation in the Pioneer of the Year category in Cancer Research UK’s annual Flame of Hope Awards.

It was presented to the mum-of-three last night at the Harpenden store in High Street.

The awards acknowledge remarkable efforts in fundraising and volunteering made by people from all walks of life.

Mrs Jones, 46, chose the unique challenge to fundraise for Cancer Research UK in memory of her mother, Mary Benson, who died from breast cancer last October, aged 72.

Mrs Benson had been a volunteer at the Harpenden Cancer Research UK shop for 13 years.

Mrs Jones - who posts a photograph wearing a variety of charity clothes on social media each day - hoped to raise £1,000 in a year when she launched her Knickers Model’s Own campaign in January.

But by inviting donations from people who liked her daily picture, she has already raised more than £11,000 in five months and has increased her fundraising target to £36,500 - or £100 a day.

Mrs Jones, who also has more than 8,500 followers on her Facebook page, started volunteering at the Harpenden shop as a window dresser soon after her mum died.

The shop manager, Ann Jay, nominated her for the award for her outstanding contribution to the cause.

She said: "Caroline is a sassy, fashion- conscious lady like her late mother. As well as raising money from her campaign she hoped to encourage others to visit charity shops."

An area set up in the Harpenden shop for "items worn by Caroline" has been very popular and there has been a noticeable increase in customer numbers and donations since her campaign started.

Mrs Jay added: "Customers are coming in wanting to buy what they have seen on-line. One customer was waiting outside the shop to purchase what Caroline had been wearing the day before and we even had a customer travel from Leicester to shop with us.

"She wrote some lovely comments in our Visitors Book."

As well as encouraging customers to buy "Caroline’s outfits", donations in the shop towards the charity’s life-saving research have also increased.

Of receiving her special commendation, Mrs Jones said: "It is an incredible honour to be receiving this award and I am truly touched.

"My campaign is very much a team effort and I am fortunate to have incredible support from Ann Jay and everyone at the Harpenden Cancer Research UK shop.

"I shall wear my Flame of Hope badge with enormous pride in memory of my mum Mary."

Mrs Jones has been submitting her 'outfit of the week' to the Review since her campaign started. To view them, click here.