ONE of Herefordshire's foremost charity fundraisers, Beryl Compton, from Bringsty, has had her efforts picked out for praise.

Mrs Compton, who has a son with myalgic encephalomyelitis, has raised at least £34,000 for research into ME over the last 15 years. She has received a champion fundraisers' certificate at a special meeting in Bartestree Village Hall.

Making the presentation was Dr Charles Shepherd, medical adviser to the ME Association, a national charity representing the interests of 240,000 people in the UK who have the debilitating illness which is also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Dr Shepherd, who talked about the latest research developments to members of the Herefordshire ME/CFS/FMS Group, said: "Beryl Compton has been the unsung head of a network of local supporters, who have tirelessly raised money for research into this dreadful illness, for which there is, as yet, no cure.

"I'm delighted to be able to present her with one of the ME Association's champion fundraiser certificates, which is just a tiny token of our admiration and respect for Beryl and her team."

Herefordshire Group public relations officer John Simpson added: "Beryl is a remarkable woman and never stops raising money for the cause. Just recently she and her helpers raised £500 from another bingo. They are unsung heroes because they hate any personal publicity."