A CHARITY fundraiser, who completed more than 35 years with the Darwen branch of Cancer Research UK, has died.

Rita Flynn, who received a long-service award last year for her voluntary work, died in hospital aged 71 after suffering several strokes.

A requiem mass at St Joseph's Church was followed by cremation at Pleasington.

Rita, who lived in Roman Road most of her life, was treasurer for Darwen Cancer Research for more than 20 years. She was originally joint secretary and before she retired worked as securities manager at Lloyd's Bank, Blackburn.

She and life-long friend Marion Walsh, who joined the committee at the same time and with whom she shared a home, were honoured for their work for the campaign when they were invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 1996.

They were also voted Women of the Year by Blackburn Soroptimists and got involved in many events such as charity coffee mornings at their home, as well as helping to run the annual stall at Darwen's Petticoat Lane Market and the annual charity shop, held in an empty premises in the town centre.

Miss Walsh, 67, said: "Everyone liked her. She was chatty and reliable and will be missed."

Rita leaves sisters Stella Nelems and Eileen Connolly, nephews and nieces and grand-nephews and nieces.

People were asked to donate to Cancer Research in her memory.