A WOMAN who ran a branch of the Royal British Legion single-handed for two years has been given the freedom of a borough.

Doris Cassidy, 76, of Fir Court, Huncoat, received the honorary freedom of Hyndburn at last night's full council meeting in Accrington Town Hall.

The award was given for her 31 years service with the Accrington branch of the legion and the fact that she practically ran it on her own for two years before retiring in 2002.

The day-to-day running of the branch has now been taken over by Church and Oswaldtwistle branch although Accrington is in charge of its own Poppy Appeal.

After joining in 1971, Mrs Cassidy moved through the ranks to become branch welfare officer and chairman before being elected on to the county committee of the legion in 1985. She resigned due to ill health in 1996.

She was awarded a Gold Badge in July 1995 and the National Life Membership this year. Mrs Cassidy has also acted as secretary and membership secretary.

She said: "This was not something I expected and it has caught me off guard really. I'm not one for putting myself in the front, that wasn't why I worked with the legion.

"I did it to help people and my fondest memories are those when I saw the look of relief on people's faces when I have helped them through some difficulty."