She is older than the Queen.

But nothing is going to stop dedicated Vera Stanley, who has been volunteering in the community for 25 years.

Reliable and hard-working Vera, of Honley, has been helping the public through her work with Kirklees Public Health team despite having hearing difficulties and double hip replacements.

Vera, who turns 91 on June 17, explained why she loves her role.

“After retiring I wanted to help out and make a difference so I started volunteering for public health when it was in the NHS at the Princess Royal Hospital in 1991”, she said.

“25 years and several building moves later I’m still here, and the team is now in Kirklees Council.

“I have worked on infection control, sexual health campaigns, cancer screening campaigns, and much more.”

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Vera helps the team in many ways and her proof reading skills are particularly prized. “There’s no point in volunteering if they don’t use your skills,” she said.

Vera added: ”I live alone, so volunteering is a great way to have some company whilst helping out and making a difference, plus it’s nice to be amongst younger people.

“I like to keep doing new things so that I don’t get set in my ways.”

90-year-old Vera Stanley, who has been volunteering with Kirklees Public Health team for 25 years

Her volunteering extends much further than just in public health.

Vera also helps to write the newsletter at Honley Trinity Church where she attends every Sunday and she lays the tables for a monthly luncheon club in Scholes.

When not helping in the community she goes to her local gym three times a week to keep fit on the toning tables or takes the bus to go shopping in local towns.

“I do also spend the odd day at home”, added Vera.

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Rachael Loftus, head of volunteering at Kirklees Council said: “During Volunteers’ Week we’d like to say a huge thank you to Vera for her continuing commitment to improving people’s health in Kirklees.

“Volunteers can make a huge difference no matter what age they are and someone like Vera who continues to play a part in her community is an inspiration to us all.

“She is a real asset to the team and not afraid to tell them off if she’s not kept busy enough.”

Find local volunteering opportunities by visiting volunteeringkirklees.org.uk or www.iminkirklees.org.uk