CRUSADING Salvation Army gran Iris Adams, 84, has vowed to continue her caring ministry despite losing her town centre charity shop - because she is too old.

Evangelist envoy Iris was looking forward to moving back into her newly refurbished Albert Road drop-in centre/caf, when her bosses suddenly pulled the plug.

They blamed health and safety regulations, a fall in income from recycling clothes and her age.

"I don't want to criticise the army but I feel really hurt by the way it was done," said Iris, who has served the army for 32 years. "If somebody is in trouble, I've got nowhere to talk to them and to pray together."

Plans to install an extra disabled toilet and sink were in the pipeline.

Iris said: "It wasn't going to cost us a penny extra in rent."

Landlord, Dennis Proctor, confirmed he had agreed to foot the bill.

He said: "I told Iris she could carry on for the same rent but the Salvation Army wanted her to finish."

Major Marian Drew, divisional commander, said: "Every day we are required to adhere to health and safety regulations and we have needed to curtail the running of the charity shop."

Recycling clothes had not been cost effective, she said, paying tribute to Iris's efforts.

"Iris has been a tremendous example of dedicated service to the army and the community and her length of service is a testimony to her willingness to serve others.

"This change will now enable Iris to reduce the heavy demands placed on her."

Sprightly Iris accepts she has to give up her officer role next year.

"I'm willing to retire but they can't take my rank or uniform off me. I'll always be there for anyone in need," she said.

"They said I can still sell papers in pubs and run my Sunday church caf. I am never going to stop.

"I became a Christian when I was eight. I'd love to be 108 and give 100 years to God."