TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Pershore Carnival procession leader after she died aged 101.

Evelyn Jones was described by her niece as a "caring" and "kind" woman who was well know in Pershore after working as the secretary at Pershore High School for nearly 30 years.

Born in Astwood Road, Worcester, on February 25, 1913, she attended Worcester Secondary School for Girls and then completed a secretarial course before working at a city leather shop.

In the late 1940s, she became the school secretary at Pershore High School, known at the time as Pershore Secondary Modern School, where she stayed until retiring in 1977.

She lived in Mill Lane in the town and then in Cherry Orchard, before moving to South Hayes Care Home in London Road, Worcester, eight years ago.

Valerie Brown, Mrs Jones niece, said her aunt, who died on Tuesday, May 6, was a "well-known and popular Pershore resident".

"Everywhere she went, former pupils would come up to her, and reminisce about their school days," she said. "About 100 people attended her 80th birthday.

"She was a very caring always helping people. She was life member friend of the Pershore Abbey and a very kind person."

Last year Mrs Jones hit the headlines when she celebrated her 100th birthday and later on when she led the Pershore Carnival Procession.

Mrs Brown added: "She was on the Pershore Carnival Committee, and could often be seen selling raffle tickets for that event at various locations in the town.

"She was also an active member of the Townswomen's Guild and other organisations, such as Meals on Wheels, and used to organise events for the Pershore Retired Teachers.

"She enjoyed travelling, and only gave up driving at the age of 88 because her car was not going to pass its MoT. She loved playing Scrabble, and was still beating me at Scrabble only two days before she died. She also enjoyed doing crosswords and reading poetry."

Mrs Jones was also a great aunt to Richard, Gemma, Stephanie and Becca, and had five great great nieces and a great great nephew.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday, May 27, at 2pm at Pershore Abbey.