MEMBERS of the Royal Family were at the funeral of one of the Vale's most respected community leaders.

Lord Linley represented his mother Princess Margaret at the service in St Faith's Church, Overbury, of Lady Rosamund Holland-Martin, who devoted much of her life to charity work.

Princess Margaret was a frequent visitor to Lady Holland-Martin's home at Bell's Castle, Kemerton. The pair had a mutual interest in the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children of which Lady Holland-Martin was for many years the president.

People from all walks of life were at the service to pay tribute to Lady Holland-Martin, who was described by her son Benn as "simply a do-gooder."

Lady Holland-Martin, who was 86, was particularly concerned with the welfare of Overbury Estate, which has been in the Holland-Martin family for 300 years. Her interest in agriculture and the countryside was recognised in 1983 when she was elected president of the Three Counties Agricultural Society.

A former deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hereford and Worcester, Lady Holland-Martin's other work included being chairman of the Tewkesbury Abbey Appeal, president of the Friends of Worcester Cathedral and a governor at Malvern College.

With the NSPCC, of which she was chairman from 1969 to 1987, Lady Holland-Martin worked closely with the then director, Dr Alan Gilmour, to draw up a centenary charter outlining priorities for the future, the first aim of which was to establish 60 child protection teams across the country.

She launched a centenary appeal, led by the Duke of Westminster, which succeeded in raising more than £14 million. It was one of the most successful of its time and was characterised by imaginative new ideas such as persuading major companies to match the donations of employees.

Born Rosamund Mary Hornsby, Lady Holland-Martin devoted herself to the Women's Voluntary Service during the Second World War, serving as personal assistant to its chairman, the Dowager Marchioness of Reading and from 1978 to 1981 she was vice-chairman of the WRVS.

She married Admiral Sir Deric Holland-Martin, who died in 1977, and she was based in Malta for much of the 1960s and 70s.

She was awarded the OBE in 1947 and created Dame in 1983. When not working she enjoyed needlework, photography and collecting things - the family home is packed with pictures, sculptures and ornaments collected on her travels.

Lady Holland-Martin's funeral was held at Overbury Church last Thursday.

She is survived by her son Benn, daughter Emma and three grandchildren.