Dunfermline local Betty Morrison, 75, has been volunteering at Bield’s Grants Bank sheltered housing development for 14 years, helping older members of the community lead enriched and independent lives.

Betty started volunteering at Grants Bank in 2004 while also working as a home carer for Fife Regional Council. Four years later she announced her retirement but continued to lend a hand at the Bield development.

Today Betty heads up Grants Bank’s lunch club, a twice-weekly gathering for residents to socialise and tuck into a delicious spread.

Betty said: “I didn’t realise it had been as long as 14 years. I just love coming in. I get as much enjoyment coming in as I hope they get from me.

“At the lunch club they can enjoy themselves and have conversations with other residents. It’s a good social event.

“Often the lunch consists of various soups, sandwiches and a main meal once a month delivered to the home. On Fridays we even have fish and chips delivered as an end of the week treat.”

Betty’s time and efforts haven’t gone unnoticed in the community either, with many residents at Grants Bank having known her for years. Bob Wilson has been a resident at Grants Bank for four years, and considers Betty a close personal friend.

Bob said: “We all get on very well here, and we really depend on Betty. She’s very good to us. We’re lost without her.”

Although currently enjoying her golden years, Betty shows no signs of stopping just yet. Having experienced such a satisfying decade of volunteering, she recommends anyone else with free time to take part in the fun.

Betty added: “My favourite thing is coming in to help people who are maybe not able to do the things that they were able to do before.

“One of my highlights was telling Bob I had ran out of custard, his favourite. Then I surprised him with a giant bowl of custard and a ladle. It made them all laugh.

“I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping other people. It’s very worthwhile.”

Betty is a volunteer at Grants Bank in Dunfermline, a Bield development designed for those over the age of 60 who want to lead independent lives while having help on hand.