Lord Mayor of Stoke Councillor Terry Follows and Lady Mayoress Mrs Jacqueline Pearson joined the celebrations at the scheme in Cobridge, and Regional Manager Louise Bradish praised her. "We couldn't do half the things we do without the help and support of people like Olwyn," she said.

Olwyn, 78, first visited Camoys as a volunteer in 1986 as a parish visitor on behalf of Christchurch in Cobridge where she is a member, organising a Songs of Praise for the residents.

She has also been interviewed on the BBC Songs of Praise programme by Tim Rice.

She soon started helping out with shopping for the residents, and progressed to helping run the library. She also takes residents for hospital appointments.

She said: "When I first came to Camoys there weren't as many residents as there are now."

She attends once every month to conduct a communion service.

Olwyn said: "I absolutely love working here and have made some very nice friends. I will keep coming as long as I can. I have given up many of the activities I was responsible for at Church, but I have never wanted to give up my volunteering, I will keep going as long as I can."

Olwyn's friend Mildred Ray is a resident at Camoys. The two met 56 years ago when they were at antenatal classes.

Mildred said: "We met each other 56 years ago at antenatal classes when we were both having our children. Unfortunately Olwyn's daughter Gillian died of leukaemia at a young age. Olwyn is a special lady and a dear friend, no matter what is going on in her life, she will always put her self out for others." Olwyn's husband Ivan died 14 years ago, but she has a son Stephen.

Olwyn said: "I've had the time of my life."

Picture: Olwyn Douglas with Lord Mayor of Stoke Councillor Terry Follows and Lady Mayoress Mrs Jacqueline Pearson.

For further information, please contact:

Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk