A CAT lover and dedicated volunteer has been awarded for her long-term service to a charity close to her heart.

Anne Young who volunteers for Cats Protection Bracknell and Wokingham felt "humbled" to have received a large bronze cat statue of Murphy the cat, made by sculptor Peter Close.

She also received a certificate by Nikki Butcher, the branch coordinator, for her contribution over the 20 plus years that she has been volunteering for.

Anne said: "I am so proud and humbled by the wonderful accolade and beautiful sculpture I received from friends and colleagues at our members meeting. I felt too emotional to say much at the time.

"Although our work in welfare and lost and found is challenging, these times are far outweighed by being in a position to help turn around the lives of so many cats and kittens."

Anne was presented with the Individual Cats Protection Star award for going out of her way to help cats and kittens in need.

She was also nominated by her colleague who said Anne would sit for hours in the rain to help rescue a stray cat or help owners with advice and support.