WHEN most people retire they look forward to sitting back, relaxing and taking things easy.

However one Bridgwater pensioner had no such thoughts and has now received recognition from the Queen for her voluntary work.

Tireless Dorothy Pendleton, 93, known to her friends as Dot, has been volunteering at Oxfam in Bridgwater for the last 33 years and was presented with the British Empire Medal for her services last week.

The presentation took place in the Kingston Room at Bath Pump Rooms where Dot was presented with her medal by Lady Gass, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset.

Dot told the Mercury: “When I was waiting to go up and get the medal I was really nervous.

“It was all over so quickly, though, so it was fine in the end.”

Dot has been volunteering at the shop since 1981 and started the day after she retired as a label printer at Clark’s shoes.

She said: “I retired on the Thursday and on the Friday I went down to Oxfam to volunteer.

“I couldn’t bear the thought of just sitting with my feet up doing nothing ... I think I would have gone crazy.”

Dot, who was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June, has had to take a break from volunteering at the shop after suffering a fall and injuring her hip.

However she said that won’t stop her getting out and about and eventually returning to her volunteering work – something that shop manager Carol Klimowich is looking forward to.

Carol, who also attended the awards ceremony as Dot’s guest, said: “She’s marvellous, she really is.

“She really deserves the medal as she works so hard in the shop and has done so for 30 years.

“Dot’s great with the customers and staff and the other volunteers. We’re missing her at the moment and can’t wait till she’s back.”

During her years with Oxfam, it is estimated that Dorothy has helped to raise over £66,000 for the charity.