TWO friends who have been helping blind people for three-quarters-of-a-century have been honoured.

Kath Cleeton and Edna Owen, both from Kidderminster, have clocked up 86 years between them with Kidderminster branch of Worcestershire Association for the Blind.

Mrs Cleeton, 83, started 41 years ago, while 84-year-old Mrs Owen began four years earlier and introduced her friend to the work.

They began helping out in small ways before joining the branch committee and over the years have worked tirelessly, including making thousands of sandwiches and cakes for social events.

The Kidderminster branch tries to improve the quality of life of blind and partially sighted people in Wyre Forest by taking them on trips, organising a Christmas party and holding monthly get-togethers.

Mrs Owen started going along to the group's events because her mother-in-law was blind. Then she introduced Mrs Cleeton whose daughter was courting her son.

A branch spokesman said: "Kath and Edna are the kind of people who make organisations like ours tick.

"They give their time and get involved and blind people in Wyre Forest owe them a great debt."

The two women took centre stage at the group's latest social event when they received framed certificates to mark their long service.

The Kidderminster branch is always on the lookout for volunteers and anyone interested in helping the group should contact secretary Barbara Glover on 01562 754723.