A VOLUNTEER will continue to serve the community, even after she celebrates her 90th birthday today.

Pat McCumiskey, who has been volunteering at Andover Neighbourcare for 22 years, credits her involvement with the organisation as “keeping her sharp” despite her near 90 years.

She said: “I love it because it keeps me going.”

Mrs McCumiskey works as part of the charity’s transport team, helping people get to hospital, medical appointments, shopping and to clubs. They also assist those who need take longer journeys to places such as Southampton for important cancer treatment.

Pam Delderfield, the charity’s manager said: “Until recently, Pat worked every morning and she still works four mornings a week.

“Pat is still as good as she was all those years ago.”

Plans for her birthday celebrations are being kept under wraps, a surprise organised by her daughter and two granddaughters who live in Basingstoke.

Mrs McCumiskey said: “They are going to get me on Saturday morning, but I don’t know anything. They just said to bring something decent to wear.”

Herself and her family moved to Andover in 1938, when she was 10-years-old. They relocated from Winchester because her dad was a chef in the Royal Air Force.

Before retiring, the volunteer used to work as a cashier at WHSmith and at Waitrose when it first arrived in Andover.

Her plans for the future however are to keep volunteering, saying she will keep coming back “until I get kicked out”.

Mrs Delderfield, who set up the charity supporting elderly residents 25 years ago, praised the contribution the “birthday girl” has made over the years.

She said: “We’d be lost without her. She gives a huge amount to Neighbourcare.”