OLTON RESIDENT, BETTY BANCROFT, RECEIVES HEROES VOLUNTEER AWARD AT WESTMINSTER

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 10th Jul 2006

Betty Bancroft shows Lorely Burt MP her award on the terrace at the House of Commons

Eighty-three year old Betty Bancroft from Meadow Grove, Olton received a Volunteer Heroes award to mark a lifetime of volunteering at a special ceremony held at the House of Commons recently.

Betty, who was nominated by her MP, Lorely Burt attended the awards ceremony and reception held in the Terrace Marquee, sponsored annually by The Experience Corps.

Betty is an Elder at Olton United Reform Church, and was previously the Church Secretary. She has been involved with Girl Guiding since she joined as a Brownie in 1930, and is still a member of the Trefoil Guild. Betty is currently Secretary to Olton Residents Association, has done a stint with the Community Health Council and also sits on the disability committee for Solihull and Heartlands Hospital.

Not being frightened of getting her hands dirty when she was younger, Betty was a volunteer worker with the Inland Waterways Association, helping to restore and make navigable canals and waterways, and still remains a member.

"Betty has volunteered all her life and made such a tremendous difference in so many ways. I was proud to nominate her for this award and delighted that she was able to attend the ceremony in London to celebrate all she has done," said Lorely Burt MP