VILLAGERS crammed into Stourbridge Crematorium to pay their last respects to a tireless Belbroughton woman who dedicated her life to rescuing injured, old and unwanted horses.

Big-hearted Animal Sanctuary and Protection founder Anthea Frisby, who rescued dozens of animals over the years, died on September 23 after a year-long battle against cancer.

As a poignant tribute to her dedication to her beloved horses, donkies and ponies - volunteers lined up some of her farmyard friends in the village ahead of her funeral yesterday (Thursday October 3) when there was standing room only left at the South Road crematorium.

Long-time friend and sanctuary finance manager Gaye Hadley said: “It was a lovely village send off.

"Our little Shetland ponies Lady and Pasco stood at The Glebe with their heads down and even the postman waited with us.

“It was just what she would have wanted.”

Sanctuary supporters also coined in the cash in Anthea’s honour at last weekend's Belbroughton Scarecrow Weekend which has become a big fundraiser for ASAP and other village causes.

Gaye added: “We did really well this year - Anthea would be really pleased.”

The 73-year-old former horse groom, of Mearse Lane, had been taking in needy animals since the late 60s and as her collection of rescue animals grew her passion developed into popular Belbroughton village cause - ASAP - which now has a team of dedicated volunteers behind it.

Gaye said everyone involved with the sanctuary had been left “devastated” at the loss of Anthea - who would often work two or three jobs at a time to help pay for food, bedding and veterinary fees for the animals.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the sanctuary in memory of her can send cheques payable to ASAP Belbroughton to Church Farm, Bradford Lane, Belbroughton, DY9 9TF.