A COMMUNITY volunteer who has dedicated countless hours over the last 40 years to keep a centre running was the guest of honour at a village fun day.

Bowburn resident Ann Gething was asked to open the village’s fun day in recognition of her four decades of volunteering at the community centre.

She was given a VIP welcome, after arriving by limo for the event, which took place on Saturday.

Mike Syer, from the community association, said: “She has spent so much time there, it’s her second home.

“We wanted to show our appreciation of that long service to volunteering in the community.”

Mrs Gething, who is also a keen bowler, was presented with the Chairman’s Medal, the highest honour bestowed by Durham County Council, for her volunteering in 2016.

The fun day featured fairground rides, Punch and Judy show, a creep crawly show, music and a variety of demonstrations, games, stalls and activities, as well as Bowburn Art Group’s latest exhibition.

Mr Syer added: “It went brilliantly. There was a really good turn out and the weather was fantastic.”