A “REMARKABLE” community champion, who was the former chairman of the Bromsgrove Music Festival and founder of the International Young Musicians’ Competition, has died aged 91.

Frances Mary White MBE, known as Mary, was born into a farming family at Whiston in South Yorkshire on May 21, 1925, and was an only child.

She studied medicine at Leeds University when she met Max, who was from Birmingham, and moved to Bromsgrove with him when he found a position as a GP, and later married.

Mary led a very fulfilling community life and had a fond interest in music, which led her to become involved in the Bromsgrove Music Festival in 1960, later becoming chairman.

She created The Bromsgrove International Young Musicians Competition in 1980, for which her energy, enthusiasm and hard work earned her an MBE.

She was a great community supporter and held roles including a magistrate and chair on the local bench, and a district officer with St John’s Ambulance Brigade.

Mary was also a hospital surgeon, developing an expertise in treating severe cases of varicose veins, and was a Council Member of the British Medical Association for more than 10 years.

She also became a long-serving school governor at North Bromsgrove High School.

At home, Mary and Max loved to host informal parties at their house for the volunteers who ran the music festival, medical and nursing staff, charitable organisations, neighbours and friends.

She also hosted a fete for the local branch of the Royal British Legion, of which her late husband Max was president.

They had two children - John and Sara - and four grandchildren - Michael, Sophie, Jamie and Poppy.

Mary passed away on March 30.

A family spokesman said: “Mary’s was a remarkable life, achieving so much for her community and profession.”

A private family cremation followed by service of thanksgiving will be held at St John’s Church at 2.15 pm on Wednesday, April 19, with a reception at Bromsgrove School.

The family asks for no flowers but donations can be made to Bromsgrove International Young Musicians Competition and Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, c/o James Giles & Sons Ltd, 24 Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, B61 0AE or by calling 01527 872318.