TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved grandma and animal lover.

Mavis Newham died peacefully at her home on April 1 with her family by her side.

The 86-year-old was the loving wife to the late Ronnie, dearly loved mum to the late Mark, devoted grandma to Zoey, Vikki and Chloe, cherished great grandma to Elias, Olivia and Noah, dear sister to Doreen, sister in law to Rodney, much loved auntie to Maxine, Neil, Sue and Dawn also great auntie, cousin and friend to many.

She was born in Rishton before moving to Huddersfield on her return to Accrington Mavis sought employment with Jas Broadleys and Allspeeds.

Granddaughter Zoey said: " She was a country girl at heart and moved back to Clayton-le-Moors and went to Mount Pleasant School

"She was a keen athlete and loved to play netball and was part of the girl guides.

"She worked at the print factory at Jas Broadleys and then Allspeeds.

"She took great pride in her appearance always wanting to look her best and people always said that about her.

"Mavis loved to go dancing and at the age of 15 she met her future husband Ronnie and they met at the Accrington Brass band event where he was playing.

"She was very sociable and had lots of good friends and love to go dancing and had fun singing.

"Family holidays was always looked forward to whether it be in the UK or abroad and they went to a caravan site at Lytham St Annes.

"She was a very strong and selfless lady and loved her animals especially her cat Ariel which my sister Vikki is looking after.

"She donated money to the Donkey Sanctuaries to give the Donkeys a better life Mavis also supported British Heart Foundation and Mental Health Charities .

"She will be sadly missed and I want to say thanks to all the people for their kind messages and support since she died."

Her funeral took place on April 15 at Accrington Crematorium.

Donations in memory of Mavis can be made for Dementia UK via the Champs Funeral Directors website.