Dozens of Mid Sussex Girls' Brigade members paid tribute to a woman who devoted more than 60 years of her life to the movement.

Former captain Mary Ware, 69, continued helping out at First Hassocks Girls' Brigade until the day before she was admitted to hospital.

She died three weeks later on August 12, from cancer.

A memorial service attended by her many friends took place at the United Reform Church in Hassocks yesterday.

Current captain, Maggie Cox, 51, of Royal George Road, Burgess Hill, said: "We had a sleepover weekend and on the Sunday before she went into hospital she was in a sketch show we put on and we presented awards to the girls after.

"She was fun and always had a smile.

"Mary was always a busy person but you never ever had to ask her to fit anything in. She would always make time for other people. That was her life - helping others."

Mary, of Queen's Drive, Hassocks, was captain of the group for 35 years before retiring but still helped out.

Born in Bexhill, she joined the Hurstpierpoint branch of the group when she was just five years old and later moved to Hassocks as a cadet when she was 18.

Mary, who never had children of her own, moved to Wivelsfield Green when she married Reg but continued to work with the brigade.

She moved back to Hassocks when he died nine years ago to be closer to her family.

Mrs Cox said: "The brigade was her life. She treated all the girls with love and care and she was also a member of the United Reform Church.

"Everyone knew her in Hassocks because she trained as a florist. She was also doing meals on wheels up until the last. She just carried on as normal.

"She was actively involved in the community as well as the church.

"Going to camp was the highlight of her year. In 2000 we dressed her up as the Queen Mum - she would do anything.

"The girls were like family to her. She looked after each one of them as individuals and she knew something about them all."