WELLWISHERS said there wasn’t a dry eye in the house at a special ceremony last week as friends, family and colleagues congregated to honour a lifelong charity stalwart.

Evelyne Philpot, president of Marlow’s Inner Wheel Club, was presented with the worldwide organisation’s top honour on Friday in front of 90 onlookers including Marlow Mayor Suzanne Brown.

In recognition of her 30 years dedicated charity work, was given the Margarette Golding Award, which has been awarded to only 250 of the club’s 100,000 members worldwide.

Mrs Philpot accepted the award from the club’s district chairman Beryl Cornell amid emotional scenes at Marlow’s United Reform Church last Thursday.

Club member Joan Clarehugh said: "This is a mammoth achievement for Evelyne and reflected glory for her Club.

"There are many examples of Evelyne’s acts of charity and compassion which justify this well deserved recognition.

"She settled in so well that she became President in July 2013 and enthusiastically made plans for the year’s events.

"She has lead from the front and her courage and determination is an inspiration to all the Members.

"We are proud to have her as our President and thank her for putting Marlow Club on the Inner Wheel Stage."

The Inner Wheel club is the world’s largest women’s organisation, with branches in over 100 countries.

It was launched in 1924 by a group of wives of Rotary Club members and continues to pursue its goals of funraising, service and friendship.

Mrs Philpot was a member of the Henley branch before joining Marlow’s Inner Wheel Club 18 months ago when the group closed.

The 68-year-old's impressive 30-year list of charitable work includes fostering children, holding the secretary role for the RNLI and working with Project Vietnam Orphans, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Sue Ryder Care.

Marlow Mayor Suzanne Brown was at the church to witness Mrs Philpott receive her award and said it was a fitting tribute.

She said: "I have recently known Evelyne in the last year and she is just the most amazing, bubbly person despite suffering setbacks.

"It was such a lovely ceremony, there was not a dry eye in the room. She has done so much work. She is a pleasure to be around and so selfless, she doesn’t think of herself at all."