A volunteer who has dedicated 60 years of her life to volunteering at the Royal Star and Garter has been made an MBE.

Dorothy Struthers, known as Dot, received the news this week that she has been included on the Queen’s birthday honours list in recognition of her work at the care home for disabled ex-service men and women in Richmond Hill.

She became involved with the charity in 1951, when she would wheel residents to and from the pub for a drink and a song.

In 1973, despite being in full-time employment, the 83-year-old became a volunteer at the Normansfield Hospital in Teddington, and visited the hospital every Wednesday evening for 20 years, tirelessly helping young adults with severe mental and physical disabilities.

And following her retirement in 1993 she became a committed volunteer at Star and Garter, volunteering three days a week with the clinical and domestic team.

Despite being the same age as many of the people there, the East Twickenham resident helped with housekeeping and meals up until very recently.

The charity’s chief executive Mike Barter said: “We are absolutely delighted that Dot’s selfless and enduring commitment as a volunteer at the home has been recognised – this award is thoroughly deserved.”

The home will be moving from its home near Richmond Park in 2013 and Mr Barter added he hoped many of the “fabulous” volunteers would make the move with them.

However, he is also urging people living closer to the Kingston area who would like volunteer to get in touch.

For more information visit starandgarter.org.