An elderly woman who dedicated 40 years to helping an animal rescue charity was nominated for a community hero award.

Sally Herbert, who has lived in Croxley Green for 55 years was put forward for the award by her friend Linda Tyrell due to her years of volunteer work for the Three Rivers Watford Cats Protection charity.

Sally, 90, began working for the charity in its Dunstable branch 40 years ago when family members asked her for help and later moved to her local branch to carry on with her volunteer work closer to home.

She said: “The importance is to help animals that are in need of help, especially wildlife.”

Sally volunteers from her own home, inspired by her love for animal welfare. She hosts committee meetings and helps organise events and fundraisers.

She also takes time to foster cats to make sure they are well kept.

She said: “I have a cat now who was shut out of his own home and came to me starving - cats will always go somewhere where they know they will be loved and liked.”

Sally not only enjoys volunteering due to the help it gives animals but also the sense of purpose it brings.

She added: “At my age it gives me something to focus on and keeps me on my toes, the fundraising gives me something to keep my brain alert.

“Fundraising is not just picking up the phone and organising, it is getting your hands dirty and getting things sorted. It is a lot of involvement and making arrangements and making sure the events take place, it is very much more than it sounds.”

Those who work with Sally appreciate her long service and recognise all that she does describing her as the ‘backbone’ of their branch.

Linda said: “She’s just an amazing person. She’s got such a lot of knowledge. She’s such a warm friendly person you can’t help but take to her. She’s been involved with it for such a long time and she’s helped us through lots of different changes within the branch.”

The Community Hero Award allows people to nominate individuals who deserve recognition and praise and will then receive award from Watford Businesses.

To nominate your hero, email rory.butler@london.newsquest.co.uk