ACTIVE Red Cross volunteer Joan Pauley of Okehampton has been recognised for her devoted service to the organisation she joined in 1956.

Miss Pauley has received the Badge of Honour for her outstanding work in helping vulnerable people in the Okehampton area in times of emergency for over 44 years.

The pensioner, who is also a West Devon Borough councillor and a member of the Community Health Council, has been centre welfare officer, assistant commandant and latterly centre organiser, holding together membership in an area beset by many problems.

Her main activities have centred around welfare work, although she has, as a qualified teacher, been an instructor in all Red Cross disciplines.

Miss Pauley, 71, received her Badge of Honour from Professor Ruth Hawker, OBE, who is chairman of the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust at a surprise ceremony at the Red Cross' Exeter Headquarters.

She said the award came out of the blue and she was 'thrilled to bits' about it.

'It was a great surprise and a great honour,' she said. 'I have loved working for the Red Cross and I would like to thank the people of Okehampton and district for being so generous over the years.'

Reading from the citation Ruth Hawker said Miss Pauley was well known and respected in Okehampton and, as a result, many requests reached headquarters enabling the society to respond to local crises.

'Such is her commitment to the society and to the local community that she organises the medical loan service from her own premises pending the acquisition of a more suitable venue,' she said.

'Joan is one of the most active and successful fundraisers in the Devon branch — many people in Okehampton are grateful for her personal kindness to them.'

As co-ordinator of the medical loan scheme Miss Pauley is available 'morning, noon and night' to respond to requests for wheelchairs, backrest and commodes to people in need.

Ian Thomas, who is in charge of recruitment for the Red Cross in Devon, said the badge of honour was not just about the number of years of service but about the commitment shown by the volunteer.

'It's about dedication and the sacrifices made to take up a job as a volunteer,' he said.

'We recommend people for badges of honour but they are actually decided by our National Headquarters so Miss Pauley has been recognised on a national level.'

Devon has 1,500 volunteers and between six and twelve awards are given to volunteers in the county each year.

Mr Thomas explained that Okehampton was a challenging area and there were more demands on the services of the Red Cross there than in many other parts of Devon.