A DEVOTED Bewdley volunteer has been recognised for more than 50 years of service of helping to raise funds for vulnerable children.

Susan Price set up the Children's Society fundraising committee in her parish in 1966, and more than five decades later has helped to raise more than £200,000 for the charity.

The great-grandmother has worked tirelessly to raise vital funds for disadvantaged children by organising direct house to house collections and events in the area. She was surprised to be presented with a certificate and badge from the charity in appreciation for her fundraising efforts over the years.

The committee member was at a special marquee lunch event, organised by the charity, and was presented with a certificate and gift to acknowledge her dedication.

She said: "It was such a wonderful surprise to receive the flowers and I shall be wearing my gold badge with pride.

"My father was a vicar and so my family had always been very supportive of the Children's Society but it was not until I moved to Bewdley with my husband in the sixties that we set up the fundraising committee and became so heavily involved.

"I have really enjoyed my time running the committee and have no plans to stop yet.

"The thing that keeps me going more than anything is knowing that the money we have raised is going to help children that desperately need it."

In the last 50 years, Susan has worked on numerous events and collection box appeals, as well as speaking on behalf of the Children's Society at various talks and, more recently, being instrumental in helping to secure the Worcester Cathedral Christingle in 2015.

Roseann Thompson, the Children's Society's regional fundraising manager, added: "It was an absolute honour to present Susan our certificate and flowers to say thank you from the Children's Society.

"She has contributed so much of her time and energy towards the work of the charity over the last 50 years and we are enormously grateful to her for that.

"Volunteers like Susan form such a vital part of our mission to change children's lives and we would not be able to do it without people like her.

"We work to help children and young people who have nowhere left to turn, so with the support of inspiring people like Susan, we are able to continue our life-changing work."

For more information about fundraising groups call 01242 514463 or visit childrenssociety.org.uk/volunteer.