IT was smiles all round as friends and family of a former Bewdley mayor came together to celebrate her life at a memorial service in Bewdley.

Representatives from the many organisations Dizzie Moore volunteered for and friends from Wyre Forest spoke at the service at St Anne's Church yesterday, telling humourous anecdotes and sharing special memories.

Mrs Moore, who was awarded an MBE for her community work, died aged 88 on Thursday, March 20 at her home in Haslemere in Surrey.

The busy church saw members of Bewdley Rotary Club, the Bewdley Festival committee, Bewdley twinning association, Far Forest WI, Royal British Legion women's section, Bewdley Town Council and the Far Forest Village Hall committee attend the service.

Mrs Moore's grandson Michael Hoesli said at the service: "She was a lady in demand and lived a hundred lifetimes in her 88 years.

"We believe that all Dizzie wanted to do was make a difference, she certainly achieved that. When you remember Dizzie do so with a smile on your face."

Laughter erupted as he added that he thought it was "pretty cool" that his grandma wore a big gold chain around the town and that she made the Queen look like a "part-timer" with the many miles she travelled up and down the country.

Her daughter Mary King also paid tribute at the service and said how touched the family were by the many cards and flowers they had been sent.

Traditional hymns were sung and prayers were said at the service and tributes were also paid by representatives of Bewdley and Far Forest organisations.

Mayor of Bewdley Linda Candlin spoke about Mrs Moore's time in the town council and Monica Powell and Carol Gittins spoke about how Mrs Moore was a founding member of the Bewdley Royal British Legion women's section.

Friends Robert Barbour, Alan Ferguson and Chris Smith also shared their memories.

Mr Ferguson, who ran a bookshop in Bewdley, said each time he was visited by Dizzie, "in the nicest possible way", he felt like he'd been mugged as she always asked for favours or money.

Keith Perkins, president of Bewdley Rotary Club, said: "When we needed anything, she knew just where to go to get the best deal.

"Dizzie was a one-off who amazed us all with her endless energy and lived life to the full. We feel privileged to call her our friend and will never forget her."