An 83-year-old grandmother who has given up 25,000 hours of her time to Jewish Care volunteering has received a prime ministerial award.

Barbara Waterman's Point of Light accolade recognises 45 years' service to the Stepney Community Centre, where she is volunteer co-ordinator. She makes the journey to east London from her Hendon home.

Mrs Waterman originally came across the centre when looking for a support group for her mother. "I love coming here," she said. "I love the people and over the years you get very involved with them. They know my family, I know theirs."

Receiving the award from her MP, Matthew Offord, in front of her daughter and three grandchildren had been "very exciting. I'm honoured to be selected out of all the volunteers in our organisation. I got a lovely letter with the certificate from David Cameron. It was lovely to have my family there and that's what matters."

In his message, Mr Cameron wrote that Mrs Waterman was "a caring and generous woman, who for over 45 years has provided emotional and social support for so many." She was also presented to the Duke of Cambridge at last month's Jewish Care dinner.

But Mrs Waterman stressed: "I just come to do what I do and I don't expect anything from it except the joy I get from doing the job. It is rather overwhelming.

"I'll volunteer for as long as I can.

"I can't find anyone to take over my role so I'll keep on as long as I can physically get here."