A GRAN aged 87 who has volunteered at Colchester hospitals for 46 years has been rewarded by the Duke of York.

Grace Thompson was invited to take over a trolley shop round at the town’s maternity hospital in 1964.

At the time she wasn’t sure she fancied the job, but nearly half a century later she’s still taking a trolley round the wards.

Now her hard work has been recognised with a Diamond Award from the League of Hospital Friends.

She was presented with the award at a London reception at St James’s Palace where Prince Andrew was guest of honour.

Mrs Thompson said: “After my children started school, the matron at the maternity hospital, who was a close friend, said ‘I’ve got a job for you’.

“I said I didn’t know if I wanted one, but she said ‘yes you do. You’re going to take a trolley around the maternity hospital’.

“I thought I’d give it a try for a couple of weeks – and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

These days, Mrs Thompson, of Shrub End Road, Colchester, runs the tea bar at Essex County Hospital a day a week and also still helps out with a trolley round.

As well as providing patients with things to make life more bearable, she says part of the job is providing a listening ear for them.

She explained: “It’s not just a matter of selling things. Patients often want to talk, as they maybe haven’t got anyone else to talk to.

“People like a laugh and a joke and to see a friendly face.”

The long-serving helper said she was amazed to learn she had been selected to meet a member of the Royal Family.

She said: “I though Prince Andrew was very sincere. He appeared to be, and I am sure is, a warm-hearted, friendly person. He made a good impression on us all.”

Mrs Thompson, who is still fit and active as she approaches her 88th birthday, added she had no intention of retiring from her role at the hospital yet. She added: “I enjoy doing it and while I still can, I will.”