TRIBUTES have been paid to one of East Lancashire’s most outstanding charity volunteers who died suddenly at her home.

Former pub landlady Marion Hough, 79, had worked tirelessly for the last 20 years along with her husband Brian, 80, as a volunteer for Pendleside Hospice.

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She died at her home in Castle Clough, Hapton, four days before Christmas. Her funeral was on Monday at St Margaret’s Church, Hapton, followed by committal at Burnley Crematorium.

During her time as landlady at the Withy Trees, Higher Wheelton; the Stanhill, Oswaldtwistle; the Three Millstones, West Bradford; and the Hark To Bounty, Slaidburn, Marion won several catering awards.

Before entering the licensed trade the Houghs ran a newsagents in the Witton Stocks area of Preston Old Road, Blackburn.

Mr Hough said: “It has all come as a terrible shock. It was such a normal morning. But then one minute she was sorting out some Christmas presents and the next minute she had collapsed and passed away.

“Marion had been involved with the hospice since 1997. First she worked as a volunteer in the shop in Padiham and when the new building opened at Reedley she worked as a volunteer on reception.

“Since then we have both worked at many fundraising functions over the years. I will continue to offer my services because I know Marion wouldn’t have wanted me to stop.”

Pendleside Hospice chief executive Helen McVey said: “We have been very saddened by Marion’s sudden death.

“Marion and her husband Brian have given years of dedicated voluntary service, both supporting fundraising and also on the hospice reception.

“Our thoughts go out to Brian and their son, John. Marion’s support as a volunteer at Pendleside will be greatly missed.”

Alan Simpson, who raised money for the hospice in memory of his wife Gail, said: “Marion was a real trouper.

“Her and Brian helped tremendously at several functions we organised including a soul night, a sponsored walk and a gala dinner. Without their help the events would have been very difficult to run. To many people, Marion was the face of Pendleside.”