A CHARITY shop boss has praised the local community for donating almost £300 after the death of her mother-in-law.

Joan Mary Monks, 77, was on her way to work as a volunteer at the Broken Arcs Charity Shop on Duckworth Street, Darwen, last month, when she was in an accident with a car.

Mrs Monks was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital where she died almost a week later.

Since her death, money has poured in to the shop on behalf of the popular pensioner, who had worked there since it opened five years ago.

Daughter-in-law Pat Monks, who runs the shop, said £287 had been received so far, all of which would go back into helping the homeless in Darwen.

Pat, of Britten Street, said: "Joan was very well liked by everyone, which became apparent by all the people who turned up for her funeral.

"She was involved in so many things, not just working at the shop, and she was very special.

"We all found it very, very hard when she died. It was a real shock to all of us and has left a big hole in our lives."

Pat appealed for family flowers only at her funeral, with donations to the shop if people wished.

And she said she was overwhelmed with the response.

"When the accident happened, people were very supportive and since the funeral we have received lots of donations.

"It goes to show how much people thought of her. She will be missed by everyone."