A QUARTER of a century of helping hard of hearing people has been recognised.

Arthur Turner, 89, of Bandley Rise, Stevenage was commended for his long-term volunteer service by the Hertfordshire Hearing Advisory Service (HHAS) at its annual general meeting yesterday (Thursday).

Arthur has been doing it since retiring as a chartered accountant 25 years ago.

“I get a lot of pleasure out of volunteering. People are usually genuinely pleased to be helped,” he said.

Arthur helps people with their hearing aids at Hyde Out Community Centre on The Hyde once a month and assists four members of his local country dancing club who wear hearing aids.

His volunteering involves basic hearing aid maintenance, such as putting in new batteries or fitting new tubes. He also offers support and advice on wearing a hearing aid.

“Some people need a volunteer to encourage them to use their hearing aid - I try to coax them into using it,” he said. “People are always very pleased with what I do for them. I know what it’s like to have hearing loss as I wear hearing aids too.”

Arthur has lived in Stevenage for 53 years and despite his age, he plans to continue volunteering for HHAS. “I don’t feel my age,” he said. “Being busy keeps me going - if you give it all up you stagnate.”

Gary Appleby, HHAS’ volunteer co-ordinator, said: “We are so grateful to Arthur for his many years of volunteer service. He has made a big difference to the lives of the many hard of hearing people he has helped over the years.”

HHAS urgently needs more volunteers in Stevenage to help people suffering from hearing loss.

To find out more about volunteering for the charity, contact Gary Appleby on 01707 324 582 or www.volunteering@hhas.org.uk