Helping Bradford children in need has been a decades-long commitment for 81-year-old Florence Saville.

This week her efforts over the last 48 years were recognised at a civic reception hosted by the Lord Mayor.

Thanks to Mrs Saville and the work of the Cinderella Club, thousands of disadvantaged children have enjoyed holidays and days away.

She and her late husband Ernest, a former Lord Mayor of Bradford, joined the club in 1962.

Mrs Saville said: “Poverty in Bradford is as much of a problem now as it was then but the circumstances have changed. It used to be a lack of money that caused so much deprivation, now most of the time it’s parents who are in prison or are on drugs.

“It’s schools or other organisations who contact us now and tell us if there are children who need help to go on class trips or residentials and we help meet the short-fall.

“Reading the reasons why these youngsters need our help is just heart-breaking.

“If I could make just one wish that could come true for children in Bradford it would be that they didn’t need the Cinderella Club to exist.”

Mrs Saville now plans to retire from the club. She said: “It’s time to let others keep up the good work.”

Her son, James, is one of the volunteers keeping the Cinderella Club running. More helpers would be welcome.

Cinderella club president Allan Hillary said: “We’re going to miss Florence, she’s a real stalwart.”

To make a donation or to find out more about supporting the club, visit cinderellaclub.org.uk