THE nephew of a former popular Warndon landlady has paid tribute to his aunt who died after a long battle with a health condition.

Iris Smith, who retired from the Glovers Needle 16 years ago, died on Friday, April 30, after losing her fight with diabetes.

Mrs Smith, who was 76 years-old, was married to Patrick Smith, of Warndon for more than 25 years.

Nephew John Gordon described her as a determined and kind-hearted lady who was always there to help others.

"Her determination and her will of iron kept her alive through a very long illness," said the retired 58-year-old of Stourport-on-Severn.

"She was a very determined lady and the Glovers Needle was one of the main focal points within the community.

"She displayed tremendous acts of kindness. If someone was down she'd help them out.

"If someone hadn't had a meal that day she would cook one and send it round to their house.

"Her death will be a real loss for all her family and friends, although we do have lots of lovely memories."

Mrs Smith became licensee of the pub in Windermere Drive around 25 years ago after her previous husband Bill Reynolds died.

Mr Gordon said that at the time it was very unusual for the licence to be transferred into a woman's name.

He praised her great organisational skills and said she was well-known within the community. She let St Wulstan's Church in Warndon to hold their Harvest Festival at the pub for many years.

She ran the Worcester Tuesday Ladies' Darts League and was a leading member of the Licensed Victuallers' Association.

She was a dedicated fund-raiser for Rose Hill, a special school in Warndon, that became close to her heart after a close relative became a pupil there.

Over the years she has raised thousands of pounds for the school in Windermere Drive, through raffles, functions and collections.

The funeral service was due be held at St Wulstan's Church today.