A LOYAL volunteer who has spent 50 years helping others was last week recognised for all her hard work by the WRVS.

Delia Jeffers was presented with a medal, flowers and cake to recognise her dedication and hard work at Okehampton Library.

Delia started her volunteer work in 1962 at the Civil Defence Hospital in Malton, North Hampshire. She moved to her home near Belstone 25 years ago, and for the past eleven years she has run the Home Library Service in Okehampton. The service, also known as Books on Wheels, is for people who enjoy reading or listening to audiobooks but can't get to a library.

Volunteers choose and deliver books to those who want them, and can build up a rapport with clients on a one-on-one basis. The service is run in partnership with Okehampton Library.

Pam Mayall, local service manager for WRVS, said: 'It is a fantastic contribution and Delia deserves all the recognition she gets. For someone to volunteer for so long in this day and age is truly wonderful.

'She has shown great loyalty to the WRVS. Her clients will be very grateful, as they are the ones who benefit from all Delia's hard work. The WRVS can not thank her enough for all her hard work and commitment to her volunteer work.'

Delia said: 'It is an honour to be recognised today. My work has been rewarding over the years — all volunteer work is — and it is very nice to be rewarded again today.'