A TAVISTOCK great grandmother has received an award for her loyal service to the NSPCC — and encourages others to get involved.

Priscilla Gillett has been at the helm of the NSPCC's Tavistock fundraising group for more than 30 years and last Friday, she was awarded a Red Seal Loyal Award at the switching on of the Christmas lights at the Wharf in Tavistock.

After single-handedly setting up the fundraising group, the retired nurse has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the children's charity over the last three decades.

Mrs Gillett is now the only member besides the treasurer and she is appealing for others to get involved or even for someone to take over her position as chairperson.

She said: 'One day about 30 years ago, I was in Tavistock and saw a man selling flags for the charity. I bought one and asked him how I could get involved but he said he had come from Plymouth because there wasn't a branch in Tavistock — so I decided to set one up.'

Every year, Mrs Gillett organises a Christmas coffee morning and a supermarket and street collection. The money she raises helps the NSPCC to support children.

She added: 'I have volunteered with the NSPCC for a long time now but I am still constantly inspired by the work that they do for children and young people.

'We help raise funds for NSPCC services which include our service centre in Plymouth and the ChildLine Schools Service.

'It makes me so proud to think of the overwhelming number of children who have been protected by the NSPCC during my 30 years volunteering for the charity and I would encourage anyone else who can spare some free time to get involved.'

Alison Armer, NSPCC community fundraising manager for Devon and Cornwall, said: 'Priscilla is a very committed volunteer for the NSPCC. She is great fun to work with and a real pleasure to know.

'It would be wonderful, if, after all of her years of raising money in Tavistock, we could have some volunteers coming forward to help continue her work in the town.

'Maybe you would like to hold a Christmas event for the NSPCC; perhaps your friends and family would sponsor you to make and eat a mountain of mince pies; or your office could hold a raffle at the work Christmas party.

'We have lots of fun ideas and would welcome new ones too.'

For more information or if you would like to get involved contact Alison Armer on 07779 341767 or email her at [email protected]">[email protected] or contact Sam Doel, Plymouth and West Devon Branch chairman, on 01822 853696.