A 93-year-old volunteer and her 79-year-old colleague said they did not feel their age - after clocking up almost 90 years' service to their community.

Dorothy Pierce, and pal Eugenia Stevenson have both worked at Barton Community Centre, in Oxford, for 36 and 53 years respectively - a feat now recognised by Oxfordshire County Council.

And by way of honouring their achievements, the pair were among six volunteers given inaugural Active Citizen Medals by the county council.

Mrs Pierce, who turns 94 in June, and lives in Stowford Road, Barton, said: "It was thrilling. I was so surprised to find out. And it was a lovely evening.

"At the community centre I give a helping hand with the teas and the bingo cards.

"I help with the Dinner Club and the Evergreen Club."

Having moved to Oxford from Devon during the Second World War, Mrs Pierce said she had made lots of friends and seen many changes in Barton. She said: "I enjoy it very much. It is quite pleasant here and everyone is very friendly.

She added: "I do not feel my age, and I'll keep coming here until I cannot walk."

Mrs Stevenson, who said everyone called her Jean "because nobody can spell Eugenia", began working at the community centre in 1955.

She said: "I just enjoy doing it. I have been here for 53 years now."

The Mather Road resident volunteers four days a week and keeps a busy schedule - with a lunch club, indoor bowls, the Evergreen Club, and an art club.

She said: "It is the atmosphere down here that I love. Everyone is very friendly.

"I want to carry on doing this for as long as possible - if you enjoy doing something you do not feel your age."

Sharon Keene, who also works at the community centre, said: "They are both lovely and very well known around here.

"They would be here seven days a week if it was not closed at weekends."