IT was supposed to be her first day off in two years but devoted carer Dorothy McGregor was back helping the homeless and needy after just three hours.

The 73-year-old nun devotes her life to helping the homeless after she set up the Maundy Relief charity in Accrington eight years ago.

She often works from 4am until 10pm, cooking, cleaning, offering advice and providing almost anything her 150 visitors per day need.

But on Saturday, the kind-hearted pensioner got on a bus to Blackburn for a well-earned day off.

All she wanted was a peaceful cup of coffee where she could relax where nobody knew her.

But Dorothy, who is also a qualified counsellor, did not stay away from her duties for long. After working for a couple of hours in the morning, she was back again for 1pm saying she dare not take the full day off in case someone needed her help.

The charity's day centre in Abbey Street is open from 9am until 7pm, but never it really closes, with Dorothy's mobile phone always switched on at any time of the day or night.

And the charity, which has Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh as its patron, has seen dramatic expansion over the last 12 months, with visitors trebling to 35,000 last year.

But although she now dedicates 18 hours a day to the charity, Dorothy, modestly denies her saint-like' reputation but says she is "just helping people who ask.

Dorothy, who plans to work for another 20 years, will even be on hand on her 74th birthday on Wednesday and she might even go in early.

Expecting it to be another "good while" before she takes any more time off, she said: "I had a bit of a lie in. I went in for 5am instead of 4am.

"And I got to shut off for a few hours which I never do. People need you all the time. So coming to Blackburn and just doing what I want for a couple of hours is as good as full day off to me.

"We see up to 150 people per day and I have eight hours of admin too. It is exhausting but my prayers keep me going. I just want to make a difference.

"Even giving just a pair of socks to someone can help. I have seen people's lives changed around. I admire their courage and you want to give your all.

"But sadly we are only scratching the surface. It is terrible and is getting worse. I want to carry on for as long as I can.

"Even if I'm in a wheelchair I will still be offering a friendly word.

"I'll never give up on anyone who comes to us. Everyone deserves to feel special."