FORMER Darwen woman Patricia Griffin spent most of her life helping others more unfortunate than herself.

Now 20 years after her death, she will be honoured for her extensive voluntary work by appearing on a new set of stamps on the Caribbean island of Montserrat.

Patricia Griffin was one of six people chosen for the stamps in honour of the work she did on the island.

The stamp includes a photograph of Mrs Griffin who is the mother of Dr John Griffin, of Tockholes Road, Darwen as well as the words Patricia Griffin (1907 1986), Voluntary Social Worker.

Mrs Griffin, who was married to Dr Charles Griffin, was born on Montserrat and lived there for many years but always had strong links with Darwen. When her husband died she returned to Darwen and moved in with her son, She died there at the age of 79.

Mrs Griffin had two daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, and one son, John.

The stamp citation by the Montserrat Philatelic Bureau said: "Miss Pattie (as she was affectionately known) was married to Dr Charles Norman Griffin and assisted him at his surgery.

"It was as a voluntary social worker that Mrs Griffin made her mark in the island. She was the main architect of the Old People's Welfare Association. She also held executive positions in the Red Cross, YMCA and nursery school system."

Daughter Elizabeth, 60, who now lives in London, said: "I was sent a copy of the stamps and we are hoping to get a few more. We had to send a photograph to the philatelic bureau of our mother which they have used on the stamp.

"We are absolutely thrilled that they have chosen her and it makes you cry with happiness.

"She was very involved with people in Montserrat and they all thought she was lovely. She did a lot of good work.

"As well as my mother there is a politician, nurse, a folk musician, a trade unionist and a man who built the first hotel in Montserrat and started off tourism."