A dedicated woman has been awarded a medal for volunteering in a charity shop for ten years.

Irene Fuller, 72, started working in the Red Cross shop, in Halstead High Street, after she retired from being a PA.

“I felt I needed to do something with my life and I just liked the idea of volunteering there,” she said.

“I have a friend who volunteered in the shop as well who she said I would be good at it and should come and give it a go.

“I love it - it feels like you are doing something for someone else.

“The people there are lovely as well and it is just a joyous place.”

Irene also thanked the generous people of Halstead for bringing in their donations.

“People bring in wonderful things - some of it is brand new.

“I intend to stay at the shop for as long as I am able.”