SHE may have just tuned 85 but heart-of-gold pensioner Betty Watson could put folk 60 years her junior to shame when it comes to helping the charity shop she calls her "family".

Betty, who has been volunteering at the Dunfermline Salvation Army shop since 2008 was nominated recently for the Volunteer of the Year award at the Charity Retail Association Awards and won Volunteer of the Year for Scotland North, fending off competition from 30 nominees from nearly 20 shops.

When the Press dropped by the shop on Monday, Betty said: "Being here means everything to me. This is a happy shop. They are all like family. I would be lost without the shop. I love helping people.

"I was very excited to be nominated. It was a big secret as they kept it from me so well."

Betty has done charity work for many causes over the years and she managed to raise £1,200 for a three-year-old girl from Kelty who was in hospital, organising a party to aid the fundraising.

"I love collecting toys and gifts for young boys and girls in the area. I've had all sorts of toys and gifts for the kids over the years. I remember my house was full of teddy bears and there were hanging on the clothesline outside as well.

"It was my birthday last week, and I must be very well-liked, as I received three bags of gifts and six bouquets of flowers. I had to have someone help me get my bus home as I couldn't carry everything." 

Suzanne Connelly, shop manager, said: "Betty is an incredible lady. At 85, she could put a 25 year old to shame; she has the energy of someone less than half her age! She is loyal to the shop team and to the Salvation Army."

Paying tribute to Betty's "unique and huge character", Suzanne added: "She's an asset in the shop and everyone knows her. She really is a morale leader and always delivers a high level of customer service. I am humbled to have Betty as part of my team. 

"She embodies everything our charity stands for, always going that extra mile – in fact, Betty would probably consider a mile far too short a distance to go."