AN Overton resident has received recognition for 23 years of voluntary service with Overton Active Christian Team In Our Neighbourhood (ACTION).

Phylis Watling, of Sprents Lane, was one of eight people from Hampshire who were awarded with a certificate and brooch from Hampshire Voluntary Care Groups Advisory Service recently.

Since the age of 64 Mrs Watling has been helping to organise taxis for people to go shopping and visit the dentist, the doctor and the optician. She has also run errands and helped with a weekly lunch club.

Her husband Lieutenant Stan Watling was killed at Arnhem serving with the Airborne Division in 1944, leaving Mrs Watling to raise their three young children alone.

Chairman of ACTION, Dawn Denning, of Charledown Close, Overton said Mrs Watling's independence, initiative, integrity and industry are well respected.

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser.