TRIBUTES have been paid to one of the founding members of Brierley Hill Samaritans whose funeral is due to take place tomorrow (Thursday).

Nona Brown founded the branch with her husband David and co-founder Elsie Smith in the early 1970s and saw it flourish into what it is today.

Eighty-three-year-old Nona had dedicated herself to volunteering throughout her life, helping out at the Samaritans until she was almost 80 and receiving many certificates for outstanding service to the community over the years.

In 2001 she was also invited to visit the Houses of Parliament with former Stourbridge MP Debra Shipley.

As well as fundraising for the the Samaritans, Nona was also a key member of the Pedmore Senior Citizens Club and helped to raise thousands of pounds for Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.

Mrs Brown also spent 20 years working at the Mere Education Centre in Norton, where she was PA to the headteacher.

Husband David, of Redlake Road, Pedmore, led tributes to his wife of 46 years, who died of pneumonia in Russells Hall Hospital on April 29 after a three-week illness.

He said: "She will always be remembered for her sense of humour and her love of her garden, as well as her ability to support people and give them some wise counselling.

"She always said it how it was, she didn't mince her words, but always said it in a kind way.

David, aged 76, added: "She was a loving mother and wife, who we miss terribly."

Friends and family, including son Neale and daughter Jodie, are set to say their last goodbyes tomorrow (Thursday) at her funeral, a humanist celebration, at Stourbridge Crematorium.