TRIBUTES have been paid to a community volunteer who dedicated her life to helping others.

Rachel Notley was much loved for the work she did in a career spanning more than 60 years and even had a day centre for the elderly in Beckenham Road, Beckenham, named after her.

The great-grandmother set up a meals-on-wheels service in Penge during the Second World War and continued serving the elderly when the war ended.

She was the first organising secretary of Bromley Old People's Welfare Committee which began in 1965 with just one room, a desk, two chairs and a typewriter.

Mrs Notley built the organisation into a busy welfare group providing meals on wheels, day care, a good neighbour scheme and housing advice.

The resident of Oakwood Avenue, Beckenham, stayed with the committee when it became Age Concern Bromley and was a former chairman of Age Concern Beckenham and West Wickham.

She was also an honorary life member of Age Concern London and started Glebe Housing Association in West Wickham.

The 93-year-old drove a double-decker bus round Norman Park, Bromley, 10 years ago to fulfil one of her life-long ambitions.

Her youngest daughter Carolyn Fevyer, 63, of Lankton Close, Beckenham, said: "She was an amazing lady.

"I remember being on the back of her bike when she was delivering meals on wheels.

"She was quite a cookie really, she saw needs there and said why shouldn't we do it?'"

Former Age Concern Bromley chief executive, and Rachel's friend for 40 years, Jennifer Lindsay said: "Thousands of people have much to remember Rachel for and her dedication will be valued for generations to come.

"I am proud to have known her."

A devout Christian, Mrs Notley was baptised, confirmed and married at St George's Church, Bromley Road, Beckenham.

The church's rector Father Malcolm Hancock said: "She was very much part of the fabric of the church.

"Mingled with the sadness is enormous celebration about what she has done."

A thanksgiving service takes place at 5.30pm on Sunday at the church.

Donations can be sent to J and R Killick funeral directors, 112 High Street, West Wickham.

Mrs Notley died on August 22 from natural causes.