FUND-raisers were awarded a prestigious award to recognise their continuous charity work over the past 10 years.

Margaret Holden, of Cyprus Street, Darwen, and Brenda Donohue, of Brigsteer Close, Clayton-le-Moors received the President's Medal from the Duchess of Kent at Macmillan's Annual Rally at Westminster Central Hall.

Both serve on the Hyndburn and Darwen Macmillan Committee. The medal was awarded to the volunteers who have served as members of a Macmillian fund-raising committee for at least 10 years and who have given exceptional service to the charity.

Chris Andrews, director of Macmillan Cancer Relief East Midlands and Northern region said: "They have both been loyal, enthusiastic and extremely hardworking members of their committees and we, and all the local people with cancer who we have been able to help because of their fund-raising efforts, have much to thank them for."

Margaret Holden has been a member of the Darwen Committee for 27 years, 10 of them as secretary.

She said: "It was a wonderful honour for us both to receive the award and to be recognised for our work - especially with it coming from the Duchess of Kent.

"We went down to London and stayed overnight at a hotel in Dolphin Square and it was a great experience."

North West area fund-raising manager, Josie Swindles, said: "Margaret and Brenda are both brilliant.

"They happily cajole and encourage people to come along to all the events the committee organises even in the depths of winter."