A VOLUNTEER who lost three family members in World War One said their sacrifices inspired her to join the Royal British Legion and help others.

In December 2014 Pauline Neil, from Haydon Wick began volunteering at the Legion’s Pop-In information centre on Regent’s Circus, which provides services to service personnel and veterans and acts as a forum for the public to learn more about the charity.

The retired 61-year-old joined the Legion when it first opened and is now a familiar face to ex-servicemen who visit the centre. She spoke during National Volunteers Week, which shines a light on the tireless work of volunteers in the community.

Volunteering is a family affair for Pauline, who joined with daughter Callie, 31.

“I saw an advert in the newspaper and it immediately struck a chord with me. My great-grandfather, his brothers and my grandfather fought in the World Wars and I have always been so proud of what they achieved."

Pauline’s great-grandfather Private Henry Charles Weight, along with brothers Frederick and James were killed in action in World War One.

Her grandfather Walter ‘Wally’ Ratcliffe also served in the RAF during World War Two.

Pauline’s military links made her determined to help others who fought for their country.

“This is why I do this, to honour the memory of my relatives, and to remember everything they did for us, their sacrifices showed real bravery and I want that honoured and remembered, I am very proud of them” she said.

In her 18-months of volunteering, Pauline said one encounter stands out.

“There was one ex service-man that sticks in the memory, who literally didn’t know where to turn when he came to us. We were able to give him that help and support and he turned his life around. He’s like a different person now, happy, settled and it’s because of the pop-in.”

“It feels like a family here, there’s such a warm welcoming atmosphere that I feel at home.

“I love talking to people and helping where I can. This is a job where you know you are making a difference every single day. You’re finding them a home, getting food on the table or even just being someone to talk to. I enjoy every day that I’m here and I would so encourage others to become a volunteer if they can.”

The pop-in centre has approximately 18 volunteers on rota who give up their time throughout the week (some once a week, some twice or three times per week, some mornings, some afternoons, some flexible).

On top of that there are also approximately six active caseworker volunteers helping out in the area.

National Volunteers Week seeks to thank volunteers for the time and donations they have made to the community. More than 15 million people volunteer in the UK every month.

The annual campaign, which was established in 1984, seeks to recognise the contribution millions of volunteers make to communities each week. It runs until June 12.

Alistair Maxwell, the Legion’s area manager for Somerset & Wiltshire, said: “We are eternally grateful to our volunteer army who work tirelessly for the benefit of the current serving and retired Armed Forces community, and their families.

“The Legion’s army of volunteers is vital to the charity, enabling us to carry out the work we do.

“The Legion has hundreds of thousands of volunteers nation-wide. These volunteers enable the Legion to deliver a wide range of support year-round to the Armed Forces community. They also enable us to raise the vital funds to pay for the vast range of services.”