“Incredibly inspirational” fundraisers who have clocked up more than 200 years of charity work between them have been thanked for their generosity.

Audrey Peasgood, 84, Betty Thompson, 89, Bette Wilkinson, 85, and Mairi Anderson, 58, make up the Saffron Walden Barnardo’s Helper Group. Together they have raised hundreds of pounds for the national charity, which helps vulnerable children, by asking family and friends to donate loose change into money boxes they distribute.

Barnardo’s community fundraising volunteer manager for East Anglia, Maria Alexander, attended the group’s annual count up last Wednesday to thank them for their commitment. She also presented them each with a certificate.

Maria said: “We are so grateful for all of their efforts. We need people, like these ladies, who commit to fundraising because we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them. They are incredibly inspirational.”

Audrey, Betty and Bette, who have been supporting the charity for more than 40 years, received a certificate and a commemorative vase from Barnardo’s in recognition of their efforts.

Bette, who was cared for by the charity following the death of her mother when she was only two years old, said: “We weren’t expecting this – it is really nice of them.

“I have always wanted to help Barnardo’s after they helped me. I was with them for two years before a family in Saffron Walden took me, and I will always be very grateful.”

Audrey became involved with the charity after visiting one of the charity’s homes, which was in Thaxted, when she was 14, while Betty started collecting for the charity once she had her own children.

Betty said: “We would bring the collection boxes to the children’s parties, and always hand them out to family and friends.”

Barnardo’s is appealing for more volunteers in the Saffron Walden area. If anybody would like to start their own fundraising group, or requires more information, contact Maria on 0208 498 7076.