IF something is happening in Bewdley then Pat Jones is sure to know about it.

She has not, by her own admission, lived in the attractive riverside town as long as some - but she is in a prime position to witness the comings and goings after 22 years overlooking the River Severn.

The great-grandmother, who refuses to disclose her age, is well known in the town, being a member of its Civic Society and Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Severnside North, where she lives, and Dog Lane.

She also plays an active role in more campaigns than anyone would have thought possible in such a supposedly sleepy place.

"There's always something going on here," said Pat, who drives a distinctive motor caravan and recently bought her first car to sit alongside it on her driveway next to Bewdley Library.

As well as opposing a proposed £3 million flood barrier for the river, Pat is keen for the stretch of water outside her house to be made into a swan sanctuary. She has also campaigned vociferously for the pedestrianisation of Severnside North.

But despite all the controversy, it was the peaceful nature of her riverside residence that attracted her to Bewdley when she was looking to settle in the area all those years ago.

"All through my life I have been addicted to water. I love a little river or a stream. I can't now imagine living in an ordinary house on an ordinary street - I wouldn't want to leave the river," she said.

Born in Ramsgate in Kent, Pat has two daughters based in Nottinghamshire, five grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

She lived in Nottinghamshire before moving onto Oxfordshire where she helped run a hotel with her ex-husband.

And it was thanks to the Shuttle's property section that she spotted her current home for sale on a day out in the area - and she instantly fell in love with it.

Swans are now one of her favourite features of living by the river. Pat regularly liaises with RSPCA inspector Neil Tysall and a swan rescue centre at Wychbold over injured birds on the banks of the river.

Despite her home's location at the edge of the water, Pat avoided serious flooding until November 1998 - and last year's crisis created a "living hell" for her.

Most of her belongings are still stored upstairs as she slowly gets her house, which was waist-high in water, back in order.

But she is still grateful for what she has got and feels sorry for those facing even worse situations.

"It was terribly traumatic seeing our possessions three feet under water but now it has faded into insignificance compared to what the farmers are going through with foot and mouth disease."