A WORCESTER woman who helped transform the lives of hundreds of poverty-stricken pensioners in the post Second World War years has died, aged 93.

Freda Lowndes made a huge impact on the Faithful City when she launched the Good Neighbours Service in 1955. It ran for 33 years.

It was while campaigning for local elections that she became aware of grinding poverty in the city and formed the scheme.

Mrs Lowndes - who passed away on Monday, April 23, at Dorset House, Droitwich - and her helpers would visit lonely and elderly people, distributing a range of goods from coal to furniture and even budgerigars, which were cheap and cheerful pets.

The scheme was so successful she was forced to hire a warehouse in Worcester near her Pitchcroft home as her garden became clogged up with donations.

At one point, the service was so high-profile, many citizens thought Worcester City Council was running it.

"She was helping the Worcester poor and needy and along with half-a-dozen others would visit them to see what they needed," said her daughter Barbara Ludwig, from Battenhall.

"Donations came in so thick and fast she couldn't fit anymore into her garden and garage and had to use a warehouse.

"She was secretary, treasurer and organiser but had to close it down in 1987-88 because she was the only one left."

Mrs Lowndes also worked at the Cancer Research Campaign shop in The Cross until she was 88, and only gave that up when the nearby bus stop was moved leaving it too far away.

She was also a founder member of Worcester & District Community Health Council, sitting as a member from 1974-80, served on a social services advisory committee from 1974-80 and was with WRVS meals and wheels and its Shire Hall coffee bar from 1979-84.

Mrs Lowndes was born in St Helens in Lancashire and moved to Worcester with her late optician husband, Harry, in the late 1940s.

Her funeral service was due to take place today at St George's RC Church in Sansome Walk at noon followed by a cremation at 1pm.