A CANCER Research fund-raising heroine was a special guest at the Mayor of Worcester's inaugural banquet.

Cllr Roger Knight, The Mayor of Worcester, welcomed over 150 guests to celebrate his Mayoral year at the recent banquet, in The Guildhall’s Assembly Room.

Present as a special guest of Cllr Knight was local resident Barbara Ludwig, a volunteer who has raised over £600,000 for Cancer Research UK over the last 50 years.

Cllr Knight said: "Barbara, who is 85 years old, has lived in Worcester all her life and was also invited to the Queen’s Garden Party in May in recognition of her achievements.

"It was a real pleasure to meet Barbara; she is a lovely lady – so dedicated and unassuming."

He added: "I’d like to thank all the staff who worked so hard to make the event a success; it was a delightful evening.”

The guest list included several Mayors and dignitaries from neighbouring councils throughout the county, as well as city councillors and civic guests from the world of business as well as from the voluntary and public sectors.

Guests praised the quality of the three course meal provided by For All Seasons catering firm, based in Evesham.