THE founder of a leading south Essex charity has celebrated her 80th birthday – and is showing no sign of slowing down.

Joan Lythgoe set up Business Opportunities for the Physically Handicapped on the Charfleets Industrial Estate, on Canvey, with her late husband Geoff in 1995 to provide somewhere for disabled people to work.

About 70 people who have been involved with the charity over the years gathered for a surprise party at Canvey’s Small Gains Hall, before her close family treated her to lunch at Canvey’s Labworth cafe.

Her daughter, Sylvia Jillins, 55, of Newlands Road, Canvey, said: “Mum had no idea about the party, she was completely surprised when she walked in and saw all the people there.

“She is an amazing person. We have trouble keeping up with her.”

Mrs Lythgoe, of Beveland Road, set up the charity after her granddaughter, Joanne Blackwell, who is disabled, turned 18 and had nothing to do.

The workshop on Canvey carries out printing and packaging work for a range of local companies.

But the charity relies mainly on fundraising and donations to fund the running costs, including two full-time and one part-time member of staff.

Joan runs the charity on an entirely voluntary basis and still does much of the fundraising.

The charity has made a big difference to Joanne, now 35, who still works at the centre.

Joanne’s dad, Roger Blackwell, said: “When she left school, there was nothing for her to do. She comes away with a small wage packet and a sense of purpose.”