A COMMUNITY spirited 80-year-old is celebrating 15 years of giving up her own time to help those less fortunate.

Marie Boyton, of Grenville Road in Braintree, celebrated her milestone birthday this month whilst also marking 15 years as a Community Transport Volunteer for Braintree Council.

Mrs Boyton gives up two days a week to help transport vulnerable people from across the district in her own vehicle.

She and husband Peter, who died sadly passed away in 2010, took up the job after retiring together aged 65.

Mrs Boyton said: “I take people shopping, to the hairdressers, to doctors’ appointments, to visit relatives and all kinds of things.

“The service is for the elderly or people who cannot walk.

“It makes you realise how lucky you are that you are still busy.

“After my husband died, I carried on because it gets me out and I feel it does me as much good as those I drive.

“I sometimes meet people that I went to school with or I knew from work.

“They are very appreciative of what I do and if it was not for this service they would not get out.”

Despite reaching 80, Mrs Boyton has no plans to slow down.

She said: “I am not planning to give up any time soon – I want to keep going as long as I can.

“I think I am a good driver and I am careful, I really enjoy it.

“I have never enjoyed sitting about doing nothing.”

The service is always in need of more volunteer drivers and Mrs Boyton was quick to praise the backroom staff and the flexibility of the volunteering opportunities it provides.

She said: “They could always do with more volunteers.

“You can choose your hours and if you need any other time off they try and help if it is possible.

“Anybody who has got a few hours a week to spare, likes to drive and has their own car should go for it.”

For information on Community Transport Volunteers, visit www.braintree.gov.uk.