A WOMAN who has 'given her life' to Redditch YMCA for the past 25 years has been honoured.

Averil Hughes initially worked as a youth activities volunteer just a few months after the YMCA first opened its doors in 1978.

Mrs Hughes, who has five children and met her husband Paul while he was working as a volunteer at the YMCA, also ran the pre-school and was responsible for the under-eight playschemes during school holidays.

She now runs the parent and toddler group, helps with after-school clubs, supports the youth club on Friday evenings and runs the reception every evening and on Saturday mornings. Recently, she qualified with an NNEB qualification in childcare and is also a registered childminder.

Redditch YMCA chief executive Alan Fraser presented her with a special clock, a bouquet of flowers and certificate of appreciation to mark her dedication.

He said: "She has given her life to the YMCA for the past 25 years. Without her - and the many other volunteers that give their services freely - we simply could not continue to provide our programme of community activities."

Mrs Hughes said: "I was made welcome at the YMCA and support was given to myself and my children. Being involved has given me a sense of purpose and an opportunity to develop confidence and self esteem.

"The YMCA has played a big part in my life. It has been good to see the organisation grow, establishing itself and helping others in a time of need, as it did for me."