A COUPLE who have notched up 25 years of dedicated charity work between them have been honoured with a top award.

Gerry Whiteley, a retired Army Major, and his wife, Liz, of Springs Lane, Ilkley, were recognised for a quarter of a century's commitment to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association - Forces Help.

Mrs Whiteley has put in 15 years of voluntary work with the charity, after becoming involved when accompanying her husband on overseas service.

Major Whiteley began work with the charity five years later as a case worker, in Ilkley - and now works full time with the charity as county secretary.

The couple, who have a 16-year-old son, Edward, were presented with 15-year and ten-year service badges respectively by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Bernard Atha, at the SSAFA - Forces Help annual meeting.

Mrs Whiteley, head of the lower school, at Westville House, in Ilkley, said: "I am thrilled. It wasn't a surprise but it is quite a rewarding thing. I do enjoy it."

Major Whiteley said: "It is quite gratifying to have your efforts appreciated by the organisation.

"We were very lucky in that we were presented with them by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, who is one of our patrons. It is nice to be recognised by the civic heads."

The charity offers help and solutions to current and ex-servicemen and their families, for a whole host of problems, including financial difficulty and friendship visits and disability.

Major Whiteley, who is also a committee member at Ilkley Rugby Club, said: "In West Yorkshire we help about 1,000 new cases each year. People don't ask us for help until they really need it.

"They are on their last legs by the time we hear of them. It is very satisfying to be able to help them get a better quality of life."

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