Bishop Tim Thornton paid a visit to a very special 102-year-old in Falmouth last week to present her with a certificate in recognition of the decades of support she has given to the Children's Society.

May Thomas, who has lived at The White House in Dracaena Avenue since 1999, was delighted to welcome Bishop Tim, who is chair of trustees of the Children's Society, along with old friends, Trevor Jones and Barbara Meade, churchwarden and secretary, respectively, at Penwerris Church.

Mrs Thomas was handed the certificate, on which Gary Day, says: "I am writing to you on behalf of the Children's Society to express our sincere thank you for your latest donation and your long dedicated support of our work.

"House box fundraising not only helps to raise essential donations for our work with children and young people on the margins of society, but also helps to raise the profile of the Children's Society and for that we are grateful.

"The inherent kindness and love for the children through your support helps children that have never had the benefit of this humanity and love bestowed on them and for that we must send a special 'thank you.'"

Mrs Thomas, a former Sunday School teacher, has supported the Children's Society for over 60 years and despite her age, she describes herself as "still young yet."

She still receives communion regularly at the home and is fondly remembered for all the support she has given to Penwerris Church over the years. "She is a very dedicated parishioner who helped with lots of things included fetes and dances," said Mr Jones. "She was very active and supportive and she still supports us by making donations by buying raffle tickets for the fetes and still takes the church bulletins."