A 75-year-old woman from Hatherleigh has been named an honorary fellow of Cancer Research UK for more than half a century of voluntary service and fundraising.

Mary Hindson became very aware of how cancer affects people's lives when her father died of the disease.

Since then she has helped set up the Hatherleigh, Meeth and Pectrockstowe charity committee as well as holding almost every position within the committee before eventually becoming president.

She was given the award at the annual Flame of Hope awards ceremony organised by the charity.

Mary is modest about her achievements and her contribution of more than 50 years work for Cancer Research UK on a local and national level.

She said: 'I am humbled, proud and honoured but it takes an awful lot of people to raise money and as just one person I consider my acceptance of the award to be on behalf of everyone who is involved with the committee'.

However, there is no doubting her phenomenal contributions, as she has supported everything from breakfasts to festivals over the years to raise vital funds for the charity she holds so close to her heart — 82p out of every pound goes directly to Cancer Research.

When asked if she would call herself a local hero she replied 'what a load of rubbish'.

The award itself was only given to 15 people in the whole of the UK this year.

Sylvia Arlett, area manager of Cancer Research UK for Devon, said: 'Mary is a fantastic ambassador and a credit to Cancer Research UK. She has made a big impact and been a great presence within our charity'.

RIGHT: Celebrations all round at the news of the award for Mary (seated).

Picture by Ian Snell