A woman whose life has revolved around animals since she was a child has been given one of the RSPCA’s highest honours.

Daphne Harris is only the third person in the charity’s history to be handed the prestigious Queen Victoria Gold Award, having volunteered for more than 40 years.

A member since 1972, she is now chairman of the Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone branch, based in Headcorn, and will receive her honour this year at a branch meeting.

A mother-of-three with husband Dave, Mrs Harris said: “It’s always been animals for me. I was an only child, so they were my friends.”

Her father, a greengrocer, used to bring home animals that she would then care for.

They included a cat and her kittens he had saved at the last minute from being crushed at the local tip.

Mrs Harris had a German shepherd for many years. Called Doyan, he was given to her by an inspector.

If that wasn’t enough, she ran a smallholding on her parents’ land for creatures of all sizes from horses to guinea pigs.

And after writing to RSPCA headquarters for help with the cost of neutering, she was persuaded to start a cattery for the charity.

This was run from a number of venues before being set up at its current site in Headcorn.

Mrs Harris, of Maidstone Road, Headcorn, has held several posts in the RSPCA, including chairman of the National Society Council and regional representative for the South East; she recently set up a neutering scheme in the area for Staffordshire bull terriers and bull breed crosses.

She said: “It isn’t a one-way trip. The animals have given me something in my life which is irreplaceable.

“I have had so much pleasure from helping and getting animals put back together and seeing them rehomed. It is lovely.”

Kate Matthews, a volunteer for the branch, was among those who nominated Mrs Harris for her honour.

She said: “Her overriding love of all animals has been her whole life’s work.

“She will always go the extra mile to help anyone and is always ready to give her advice, knowledge and experience.”