Food bank volunteer Eric still going at 90
He has spent more than 50 years of his life helping others and has no intention of calling it a day.
Eric Reaney, from Brandhall, Oldbury, who turns 90 tomorrow, has been volunteering at Smethwick Food Bank for the last three years.
When he informed Coral Musgrave, volunteer co-ordinator at the food bank, of his upcoming birthday she wanted to find out if Mr Reaney was the oldest volunteer in Smethwick.
He said: "Coral was surprised when I told her about my 90th birthday, but I have been volunteering for a very long time.
"I don't know if I am the oldest but it's certainly something to think about.
"I currently work as a greeter for the food bank.
"I check people have their tokens, treat them to a cup of tea or coffee and make them feel welcome while they wait for their food.
"At the end of the day, a lot of people are very short of money right now and are living in very poor circumstances.
"There are also so many people without work.
"It is unfortunate but we help any way we can.
"We receive donations from a number of churches around Smethwick, who have been very helpful."
Outside of the food bank, which runs at the Holy Trinity Church, Church Hill Street on Tuesday and Fridays, Mr Reaney has been a member of the British Red Cross for 50 years.
He said: "I have volunteered with the British Red Cross for five decades doing all sorts, ambulance driving, helping with first aid treatment and with hospital work.
"It is a great organisation, the attitude there is that you should never ignore people who find themselves in a crisis and I have carried that with me.
"You are working with people in trouble and it is important to remember that.
"If you find somebody who needs help it is your duty to help them."
Mr Reaney's generosity does not stop there.
In 2004 he was given an MBE for services to Young People and to the community in Oldbury, after organising church youth clubs for 30 years.
He said: "It was such an honour to receive my MBE, I had no idea who recommended me.
"I was so surprised when the letter came through.
"Going to Buckingham Palace was nerve wracking but exciting.
"I was worried about tripping over the red carpet but got through the day without a hitch."
