A ‘COMMUNITY champion’ for Accrington has had thousands of messages left in her memory after she died.

Evonne Harwood, ran the Pink Magpie Vintage Emporium and organised several large events in Hyndburn, such as the Dickensian Christmas Night.

She died on Saturday afternoon suddenly age 55 and her family have said they have been overwhelmed with the support received.

Her partner Guy Curtis, who has known her since school, said: “We’ve had literally thousands of messages from people.

“She was just the woman of Warner Street, a stalwart for the whole town, she was the one of the most giving women in the world.

“I’ll remember her most for her energy and how giving she was to just every one.

“It’s devastating, we’ve been spending every hour working together.”

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Ms Harwood has two children John and Sarah, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

She was also organising the ‘Oops Upside Your Head’ world record attempt set to take place in June this year.

Other events she has played a key part in organising over the last few years are the Vintage Seaside Event in Warner Street and the St Georges Day Party in Broadway.

Her ex-husband Paul Taylforth, 59, said: “She was a totally remarkable person, definitely one of a kind.

“She was whacky and eccentric in a lovely way.

“We’re just absolutely overcome with emotion about the outpouring of love and respect shown on social media.

“She was totally and utterly irreplaceable and unforgettable, she was our rock, this is all surreal, it shouldn’t be happening.”

Her hobbies included art, playing musical instruments, catering and travelling, and enjoyed visiting Cornwall and Wales.

Ms Harwood was also a member of the town team and was on the Hyndburn mayors committee.

She attended Hollins High School and Hollins Technology College.

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: “It’s shocking news.

“It is a time of great sadness for the whole of Hyndburn, she was a key committee person for Accrington and the town centre in particular, a community champion.

“She played a big part in putting on some fantastic events.

“My thoughts go out to Evonne’s at this heartbreaking time

“She will be dearly missed, she was a driving force for many events in the town centre.”

Leader of the opposition and member of Accrington Town Team Cllr Tony Dobson said: “I was absolutely shocked to hear the news, I only saw her a couple of days beforehand and there was no signs that anything was wrong with her.

“Her work around Warner Street was proof that if you get the right events on people will come to the town centre and it will be a success.