SPORTS development staff have paid tribute to pensioner Annie Murray who died last week.

The octogenarian was the most regular visitor to Blackburn with Darwen Council's sports team's programme for people over 50. Her favourite sports were horse riding, walking, swimming and archery.

Her commitment to sport saw her take part in last year's Race for Life raising money for the Imperial Cancer Research Fund.

Joyce Tattersall, from Sports Development, said: "Annie was a great ambassador for the over 50s group. She would try her hand at anything. She even wanted to ride in a hot air balloon or do a bungy jump, but unfortunately never got the chance.

"She was a real character and we are really going to miss her."

Annie was 84 and lived in sheltered accommodation off St Silas's Road, Blackburn.

She died in the coronary care unit last Thursday following a short illness. Her funeral was yesterday.

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