A CHARITY shop volunteer has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Doreen “Lush” Napier- Andrews helps out at the British Red Cross shop in Lewes High Street.

After family events on the big day itself, Lush’s Red Cross friends held a celebration for her at the shop.

Shop manager Debra Flood said: “Lush is a real institution here at the Lewes shop and an inspiration to all of us.

“I’ve been here for nine years and she has been here since day one, supporting me and helping to keep the place running.

“Even after suffering from pneumonia, she only reduced her shifts by one day a week.

“She’s such a strong character and doesn’t suffer fools gladly but she is a very caring person.

“She’s been volunteering and helping others all her life.”

Lush first volunteered with the Red Cross in the 1960s while living in Africa with her family.

Although she moved around and lived in several different countries over the years, she continued to volunteer whenever she could, and in 2015 she was recognised for 50 years’ service.

She has been at the Lewes shop for 20 years.

She said: “I wanted to find a useful way to spend my time.

“The ambassador’s wife in Kenya was very involved in the Red Cross so she suggested I join her, and I did.

“I had an office in Nairobi and worked alongside certified nurses.

“We made visits to local hospitals and often drove out to the villages to help mothers and babies.

“In those days we used to help in all sorts of small ways like giving them cut-out dresses they could sew for their children.”

Lush has no plans to retire from the Red Cross shop.

She said: “I do get more tired than I used to especially now we’re at a bigger space.

“We could do with a few more volunteers.”