A VOLUNTEER driver has celebrated her 95th birthday by doing just that – delivering hot meals to the community.

Peggy Clayton turned 95 on Tuesday (September 24) and spent the day volunteering for Brightwells Community Meal Service, as she does every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Peggy said: “Some people see nobody all day, they’ve got no relations and it’s nice go in for a chat for five or ten minutes.

“I know from when I was widowed, I’d take the dog for a walk just to meet somebody in the forest and say ‘hello, that’s a nice dog’. It just lifts you to speak to somebody.”

Peggy has been a volunteer driver for the service for between 30 and 35 years.

She added: “In 1983 I worked in a florist for about 30 years part time, and a new owner got rid of all the staff who were there.

“I thought ‘I must have something to do’ so that’s why I now do two rounds – and I’ve done the same rounds ever since. I didn’t want one week to go into another without any structure. So it’s not a great virtue, it was also to help me!”

Peggy also celebrated her birthday with a “family do” at her house.

Kath Daniel, community meals co-ordinator, said the service, run in conjunction with Waverley Borough Council, provides meals for those who are mainly home bound. They are also encouraged to go into the centre “at least one day a week”.

Kath said Peggy was brilliant. “All the volunteers are valuable because without them there would be no service,” she said.

To volunteer, call 01252 725330.