A BALFRON woman was recognised at a reception held by The Duchess of Cornwall. 

Rae Wilson, a Royal Voluntary Service volunteer, was invited to the event by the charity's president. 

It marked the launch of the charity's 'Our Amazing People campaign', which celebrates the skills of older people and the contribution they make to society. 

Rae, 77, a former primary school teacher, has been volunteering with Royal Voluntary Service for 15 years and is project manager for the Balfron Lunch Club in her village.

She said: "The reception was absolutely super. Everyone was treated the same and the Duchess was so charming and relaxed. She put everyone at ease. 

"It’s actually the second time I’ve met The Duchess having been introduced at the GrandFest launch last year where I presented her with some of my homemade preserve. 

"I set up the Balfron Lunch Club 10 years ago having identified a need for somewhere for older people to go in the village. We now cater for 30 to 35 people each Thursday. 

"I volunteered after I semi-retired as a way of helping others and to put something back into the community, as well as to fill my spare time. However, since my husband died two years ago, focusing my energies on new projects for the charity, has given me a new sense of purpose and kept me busy.

"As a young girl I was in awe of the wonderful, uniformed WVS members and all that they did, so volunteering with Royal Voluntary Service has been like fulfilling a childhood dream."