A VALE volunteer is heading to Downing Street for a reception with Prime Minister in recognition of her hard work.

Gay Fifield, 64, of Gibbonsdown, Barry has been volunteering at Age Connect's senior health shop on Holton Road for seven years and runs a friendship group for people over 60, as well as being a former volunteer at the Barry Hospital league of Friends.

Recognising her dedication to serving her community, MP Alun Cairns nominated Gay - a former nurse at Sully Hospital - for the reception, which is being held to honour outstanding volunteers in the community.

Having already been to Buckingham Palace for the Royal Garden Party due to her voluntary work, Gay is looking forward to her second volunteer reception to London.

"I was in Iceland when I go the call," she said. "I'm a bit chuffed, definitely. I'm really looking forward to it."