DARWEN is mourning the loss of a leading community activist who worked tirelessly to improve life for fellow townspeople.

Lillian Scott, 71, was named as one of Blackburn with Darwen's outstanding women of the 20th century earlier this year and Darwen Civic Society admitted her as an honorary Darwener in August 1987.

The widowed mother-of-seven had 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She died on Thursday after suffering a heart attack. Family and friends have now arranged for a fund to be set up to help make one of her dream projects a reality.

Lillian was born in Glasgow and moved to Darwen in the '60s with her husband Peter. She worked for various local companies before retiring and became known as a person with great drive and energy who alway had time to help others.

The long list of her voluntary activities included being a founder member and on the board of Darwen Tower Credit Union which is due to open its town centre office this month, a member of Sudellside Community Association Committee for ten years, chairman of Ellenshaw Tenants Association and a member of the borough's tenants federation.

She was also involved with the Royal British Legion and a caretaker at Darwen Tulleyallen School and raised money for many good causes.

Supporting young people was one of her great loves and she had links with Darwen Scouts, particularly the Highfield Troup. One of her best known campaign successes was getting a play area for Ellenshaw estate.

Before her death she was leading a initiative to set up Darwen Cyber Cafe to provide a place in the town for young people to meet and get advice. Personal friend and ward councillor for Sudell Eileen Entwistle said: "Lillian's contribution to the community was tremendous and she will be greatly missed by the many people. The Cyber Cafe was very important to her and the work she started will continue in her memory."

Her son Brian added: "She was a very compassionate woman and well respected. She was really determined to get the Cyber Cafe off the ground and it will be a fitting tribute to her efforts to see it up and running."

A funeral service was being held at St Joseph's Church in Darwen at noon today followed by a private family cremation.

Contributions for Darwen Cyber Cafe in memory of Lillian can be made a Ainsworth's Funeral Service in Church Bank Street, Darwen.