TRIBUTES have been paid to a big-hearted woman who touched the lives of thousands of county residents throughout her life.

Joan Kendall - most recently recognised as the friendly person who helped people when they arrived at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in her role as meet-and-greet volunteer - died on Friday, April 28, after suffering her third heart attack.

The 81-year-old was born and bred in Worcester and at 15 went to work for Kays in The Tything.

She was one of the workers dubbed `black angels' when the building caught fire and she, along with other staff, helped save all the records by going in and out through the smoke.

Mrs Kendall, of St George's Lane North, went to work at the Air Ministry depot in Whittington Road during the war, and it was there that she met her husband Bert.

The couple went on to raise three children - Peter, Andrew and June - and would have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on August 9.

Mrs Kendall started her volunteering work 36 years ago joining the Red Cross as a nurse attendant on the city ambulances.

She founded the Red Cross cadet unit in Ronkswood and also helped to man the charity shop in St John's.

In 1991, she joined Worcester Royal Infirmary in Castle Street as a volunteer in the audiology unit, later becoming a volunteer receptionist in audiology at the new hospital before taking over meeting and greeting hospital visitors.

Last July, Mrs Kendall was nominated by the hospital's volunteer co-ordinator Liz Williams for the Worcester News' Pride in Worcestershire campaign for her kindness and generosity.

Her son Andrew said his mother had touched the lives of many and was a well-known personality in Worcester.

"She will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those who knew her," he added.

Mrs Kendall's funeral will be held at Worcester Crematorium at 11am on Thursday, May 11.

Family flowers only. Donations to the RNLI are invited.