AN INCREDIBLY dedicated member of the WI has been recognised for her decades of hard work and effort for the group.

Kath Neno celebrated 75 years in Exbourne, Sampford Courtenay and Jacobstowe Women's Institute with fellow members on Thursday, July 5.

Aged 90, Kath has lived in Exbourne her entire life.

She was born and grew up on Buskin Farm, and has been heavily involved in the WI throughout her life, holding many of the officer positions. Over the years she has also worked hard to recruit new members.

She attended the Devon WI spring council meeting in Torquay, and was recognised by chair Linda Carew for her long membership.

She is a keen needlewoman, avid gardener and loves to cook.

As well as keeping herself active through the WI, she attends Sampford Courtenay Flower Club, and still catches the bus nearly every Saturday to Okehampton to do her shopping.

Kath was presented with a certificate to commemorate her achievements by Julie Ayre, vice-chair of the Devon Federation of Women's Institutes, and was given flowers from both the Devon Federation and from her beloved Exbourne, Sampford Courtenay and Jacobstowe branch by president Jane Stewart.

It is believed that Kath is the longest serving member of the WI in the county.

The event was doubly special for Kath as she celebrated her 90th birthday the following day.

Attending the official opening of the Burrow, the village's new underground community shop, Kath was congratulated by Central Devon MP Mel Stride, who was at the event.

Her birthday was also celebrated at the WI meeting, with a cake made especially for the occasion by fellow WI member Pam Hodgkinson.