A WOMAN who started a service to deliver books to the housebound was yesterday awarded for her long service and loyalty with the Women's Royal Voluntary Service.

Durham County Council chairman Councillor Alan Fenwick presented Eileen Hawthorne with a medal for 15 years service at a ceremony in Annfield Plain Library, near Stanley, yesterday.

Mrs Hawthorne of Conniscliffe Road, Stanley, joined the WRVS as a clothing officer in 1988.

The following year, together with her late husband Leslie, she began delivering books to residential homes in Annfield Plain and Stanley.

The service quickly grew to include delivery of books to the housebound and elderly people throughout the area.

Mrs Hawthorne is also a member of the WRVS Emergency Service Team that provides help to victims of disasters such as floods and rail crashes.

Emergency services organiser Pauline Gill said: "When her husband sadly died we thought the home library service would stop.

"But between the volunteers we kept it going until Eileen was able to return again."

Meanwhile, Rene Robson of Newton Aycliffe, was awarded a long service medal and clasp for 35 years service with the WRVS home library service.

She began at the clothing bank in 1969 and later helped to provide Meals on Wheels.

She also delivered books to housebound people.