STALWART fund-raiser Margaret Griffin has received Cancer Research UK's highest award in recognition of more than 40 years dedicated service.

The interior designer from Hartlebury, who founded the charity's Wyre Forest committee 41 years ago, has been made an Honorary Fellow in this year's Flame of Hope Awards.

Her enthusiasm has resulted in more than £400,000 being raised by the district's committee for vital research into treatments, cures and prevention during that time.

Mrs Griffin, a 76-year-old grandmother, believes the success is down to teamwork.

"I really don't like accolades like this because fund-raising is a team thing," she said. "You just couldn't do it on your own.

"We have a hard-working committee and we get a lot of support from all kinds of people throughout Wyre Forest," she said.

Mrs Griffin and her late husband, Len - known to many as Griff - were asked to form the committee by the then Kidderminster mayor and close friend, Charles Talbot.

It was originally the Cancer Research Campaign until its merger with the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and subsequent name change four years ago.

Sadly, Mr Griffin, who owned the Empire Carpet Company, himself became a victim of cancer and died 18 years ago but Mrs Griffin carried on her fund-raising quest.

District Cancer Research UK committee chairman, Peter Tomlinson, said: "This is a very well deserved award. She is incredibly hard working and an inspiration.

"The award also reflects on the efforts of the Wyre Forest committee and puts us on the map."

The charity's annual Flame of Hope Awards acknowledge remarkable efforts in fund-raising and volunteering made by people from all walks of life.

Sue Medcalf, community fund-raiser for Cancer Research UK in Worcestershire, said: "Margaret is a true ambassador for Cancer Research UK, who is so worthy of the fellowship."