TWO long-serving volunteers for Bury Ladies Lifeboat Guild were greeted by Samantha Cameron during a visit to 10 Downing Street.

Elizabeth Howarth and Jill Storer, both from Bury, were recognised for their fundraising and volunteering efforts during a special reception in London.

They were among volunteers from around the country who attended the event, hosted by the Prime Minister's wife.

In addition, they toured both Houses of Parliament alongside Bury North MP David Nuttall.

The pair have decades of service between them, and Elizabeth had previously been presented with the RNLI gold badge by Prince Michael of Kent for her 45 years of service.

Elizabeth said: "Janet and I were delighted to have the opportunity to meet our MP, look round Westminster and visit number 10 Downing Street.

"For the Prime Minister’s wife to have taken the time to welcome volunteers like Janet and I was very much appreciated.”

Janet added: "I felt very privileged to have been invited to Downing Street in recognition of my work with the RNLI. It was a tremendous day and having had the chance to meet Mrs Cameron was an incredible honour."

Mrs Cameron said: "It was a privilege to meet Janet and Liz, who have been outstanding supporters of The RNLI.

"Their amazing work is contributing to saving the lives of individuals and families across the North West and it was an honour to celebrate their work at the reception for charity champions."

Mr Nuttall added: "Between them Janet and Liz have spent over 100 years helping to raise much needed funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

"Their invitation to this reception at Number 10 was just a small way of recognising their efforts which they both richly deserve.

"We must never forget the work that volunteers do for the hundreds of different charities and good causes here in Bury. We should all be very grateful for the work they do."