CIVIC leaders have paid tribute to a life-long good samaritan who died on Christmas Eve.

Miss Marion Goldthorp, affectionately known to her many friends in and around Nantwich as 'Goldie' was honoured several times by the community she helped and by the borough council.

Last April she received a Citizens Award from the mayor in recognition of her long and dedicated service to the local Girl Guides movement.

In June 1996 Nantwich paid tribute to her with the John and Ada Dutton Memorial Award, presented annually to someone who has worked to enhance the quality of life in the community.

When she received her Citizens Award last year at the age of 89 she was regularly visiting the housebound and disabled in Nantwich.

She was also still actively involved with the guiding movement for which her lifetime of service had begun at the age of 13.

Generations of young people have benefited from 'Goldie's help. She spent many years as Senior Leader at St Mary's Church Sunday School.

In 1992 her community work was recognised when she received the Queen's Maundy Money at Chester Cathedral.

In her younger days 'Goldie' worked for a Willaston farmer and became a nurse at a local maternity unit.

She also helped out in her father's ladieswear shop on Crewe's Market Street terrace.

This week current mayor Clr Ray Stafford paid tribute to 'Goldie'.

"Our Citizens Award scheme was introduced to reflect the unsung work of local people. Miss Goldthorp was a wonderful ambassador for our borough and will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family and friends," he said.

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