A former town councillor, school governor and charity worker has died aged 79.

Audrey Atherton served on Thornbury town council and was a governor for Christ the King and Marlwood schools in Bristol.

She was born at Marlwood Farm in Thornbury but moved away aged 20 after marrying Eddie.

The couple returned to Thornbury seven years later, where she lived for the rest of her life.

After raising her six children Mrs Atherton devoted her time to helping others.

She was children's officer for the Women's Royal Voluntary Service and was secretary to Kingswood and Northavon Blind Association for 17 years, raising huge amounts of money for them.

She organised trips and holidays for the blind and for deprived children, and would welcome children in need into her home – she would often look after two or three children until foster parents were found for them.

She was involved in Christ the King Catholic Church, as secretary and chairwoman of the ladies' guild, and was also secretary to the Severnvale and Three Counties flower clubs.

Mrs Atherton travelled widely and could speak Italian, French and German. She was also a great help to her husband in his garden business, Chelwood Rakes.

Mr Atherton said: "Audrey was always kind and caring, and when her own parents fell ill she visited them daily and helped nurse them through to the end of their lives

"She loved her grandchildren dearly and was happy to look after them whenever she was able.

"We like to remember Audrey in this way and will miss her very much."