After 25 years and aged 85, Betty has decided to retire as a volunteer at the Queen Alexandra Hospital Home for ex-servicemen and women, Gifford House.

She said: "It's been a very worthwhile experience and I'm glad the service was appreciated by the residents."

Betty became a volunteer at the hospital home in 1983 after retiring as mayor's secretary at the Town Hall.

Conveniently living next door to the hospital, in Boundary Road, Betty "adopted" two ex-servicemen, whom she befriended and visited for several years.

When they died, staff at the hospital asked Betty if she would like to push a goods trolley around the wards.

Betty soon became a regular feature at the home, selling everything from toiletries to chocolates. Staff at the home have said Betty will be truly missed.

However, Betty says she still intends to visit twice a week for games of bridge and Sunday chapel services.

The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Colin Field, presented Betty with a special award in recognition of her years of hard work.