A MUCH-loved Redditch woman, the former president of the Royal British Legion Women's Section, has died aged 87.

Friends and family of Ita Emms attended a funeral service at Mount Carmel RC Church last Monday following her death 10 days earlier.

Mrs Emms was one of the founder members of the Redditch RBL Women's Section and was its president for many years.

She was also a Friend of the British Red Cross and worked hard to raise funds for the cause.

Mrs Emms was born in Dunmanway, County Cork, but left at the age of 11 to settle in England.

She worked as a housekeeper and while holding a position at a house in Plymouth Road, Redditch, she met husband-to-be Eric.

The couple tied the knot and set up home in Batchley, where they raised five children.

When the children flew the nest , she became involved in the Redditch RBL and Red Cross.

She was also a committed member of St Benedict's RC Church in Redditch until it closed, when she joined the congregation of Mount Carmel in Beoley Road West.

Friend June Day said she was a committed Catholic and worked hard to raise funds for St Benedict's.

Following Eric's death, Mrs Emms, June Day and her sister Marguerite enjoyed holidays abroad together.

"I will miss her greatly and she was a good friend and did a lot for the community," said June.

Marguerite Day, who is the RBL's secretary, said: "She was a hard-working and popular member of the branch, where her knowledge and wisdom were greatly appreciated by the members.

"She will be sadly missed by people in Redditch."