DEDICATED is the word that springs to mind when someone tells you they have devoted 20 years to a particular cause as a volunteer.

It is a heart-warming feeling when this cause is to benefit children.

The woman behind this big heart is Sheila Ray - a born leader.

Hailing from Birmingham, Mrs Ray, now living in Harvington Close, Kidderminster, tells of how as a three-year-old she would show the other children at the nursery where to sleep.

That was nearly 57 years ago and still to this day Mrs Ray has the same leadership quality which she uses to its full effect in her role as Brown Owl, for the 8th Kidderminster Brownies.

She spends an hour and a half with the group each week in term time and also organises trips including camping and visits to London.

Mrs Ray, who was a Brownie in 1947, said: "I think a lot of the things you do as a child follow you through into your adult life."

Turning her hand to public service has been a natural path Mrs Ray has taken.

Spending the first part of her working life as a Local Government Housing Officer, then going on to work as a senior lunch time supervisor at Franche First School, surrounded by children it seems that Mrs Ray cannot get away from her mother figure role.

Mrs Ray, who has a son, Stephen, and a grandson, Ned, really enjoys working with children. She said: "It is nice to see the confidence of children building up but there must be respect on both sides."

Her busy life includes acting as a governor for Franche First School a role she took up as a co-opted member eight years ago and enjoys because of her involvement with the decision making policies.

She is also on the management team of the 726 after-care scheme that looks after children from 7am to 6pm to help working families. Her hobbies include knitting and gardening.

She said: "Luckily, I have got a very supportive husband, Don. I don't drive so he takes me to meetings and also gets involved in artwork for children. He is very artistic and tested them for the art badge for the Brownies.

"It is very rewarding at the end of something like a camping trip to receive a thank-you note from the children."

She believes that working as a member of a team is very important and feels that other members of the groups she is involved with are just as dedicated.