A WOMAN who has dedicated a quarter of a century to helping local pensioners was rewarded with a surprise presentation.

Mrs Kay Bogan, now aged in her 80s, is the president of Our Lady of Grace Over 60s Club in Prestwich.

She has worked tirelessly organising events for elderly residents for the past 25 years and her friends at the club wanted to say a big thank-you for her efforts.

Fellow committee members organised this year's annual Christmas dinner dance at the parish hall in Fairfax Road as Mrs Bogan had been unwell recently.

But she was there as guest of honour on the night and was presented with a beautiful flower arrangement and £130.

Treasurer of the club, Miss Olive Simpson, said: "We had a collection for Kay and she did not know anything about it. It was a complete surprise to her and she was a bit overwhelmed.

"She has done so much for the club, organising holidays, days out, meals and parties that we wanted to say thank-you for all the hard work she has done over the past 25 years."

Around 80 people attended the dinner dance and enjoyed a turkey dinner with all the trimmings followed by entertainment provided by Paul Dee.

Miss Simpson added: "It was a lovely evening, everyone enjoyed themselves."

The club will re-open after the Christmas holidays on January 5 and members meet every Wednesday at the parish hall from 2pm to 4pm.