An Essex woman who has helped out at Romford’s Saint Francis Hospice for a quarter-of-a-century has won a Volunteer of the Year award.

Evelyn Dalton received the Help the Hospices and National Gardens Scheme accolade from Lord Howard at a Manchester conference.

Mrs Dalton became aware of the hospice in 1986, when it cared for her late husband’s stepmother. She volunteered four days a week during the 1980s and 90s and still organises the volunteers and allocates student work placements.

The South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue member sees those at the hospice as “an extension of my family”.

Hospice chief executive Pam Court said Mrs Dalton was “passionate about the hospice and helping us to raise awareness”.