She has done everything from peeling potatoes to organising days out – all to benefit the city's elderly population.

But next month Margaret Wynn will be stepping down from the helm of Sprowston Day Centre after 33 years of volunteering.

The 76-year-old, from Horsford, started at the centre in 1983 following an appeal for more people to help out with its luncheon club.

And since then she has dedicated countless hours to help keep the service at St Cuthbert's Church open to its elderly members.

Mrs Wynn, who was made an MBE in 2013, said she was retiring from her position as chairman on June 24 due to health issues.

'I will be very sad to step down,' she added. 'When you do this work, you do it because you enjoy it and it becomes part of your life.'

The centre provides elderly people with lunch and entertainment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays each week.

Over the past three decades Mrs Wynn has held a variety of roles at the centre, starting as a dish washer in the kitchens. She later became a committee member and secretary, before taking over as chairman from the late Ron Whybrown in 2004.

Mrs Wynn said: 'He was getting older and he said to me 'you will keep it going, won't your Margaret' and I said I would give it a bash.'

Despite stepping down from her role next month, Mrs Wynn said she would continue as a trustee until someone new is appointed. She added: 'The centre is more important than I can put into words because a lot of people who use it are on their own all week. When they come here they are able to talk, socialise and meet other people.'

The centre, which has around 30 volunteers and 11 part-time staff, is partly funded by Norfolk County Council.

It is now seeking someone to take on the role as chairman.

Mrs Wynn said: 'The club needs new blood and someone prepared to give it a chance and realise how much they will enjoy it.'

Mandy Madsen, the centre's member liason officer, said: 'Margaret knows everything about this place and she has dedicated her life to helping this club. It will be a big thing when she goes.'

Anyone wanting to take on the role of chairman should call 01603 419682 or email sprowstondaycentre@hotmail.com