TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved woman who worked tirelessly to make Eastleigh an easier place for disabled people to live.

Dolly Dawes, a founding member of Eastleigh Shopmobility, died on Saturday aged 72, having been taken ill last week.

The youngest of six children, she married Eddie Dawes in 1950 and moved to Eastleigh in 1976.

Health problems confined her to a wheelchair in the 1980s, and, say her family, she set about "putting things right" in her "straightforward and vigorous way", becoming an enthusiastic campaigner for elderly and disabled people in Eastleigh.

Mrs Dawes, of Whyteways, was a founder member of Friends of Shopmobility and her fundraising helped buy wheelchairs and scooters to be lent out. She served on a host of committees and worked closely with Eastleigh council, as well as assisting with many Mayor's Appeals.

Mrs Dawes was presented with many accolades, including a Local Hero award, and she was made a Citizen of Honour in 2003.

Paying tribute, Ann Clifton, Mrs Dawes' eldest daughter, said: "We are extremely proud of all the work she's done, the courage she's shown in the face of health difficulties that she's suffered, and everything she did on behalf of the elderly and disabled in Eastleigh."

Jill Dreyer, Eastleigh Shopmobility co-ordinator, said there would be a book of remembrance at the Wells Place shop until June 21.

"Dolly will be missed very much. She was the main instigator in getting Shopmobility launched in Eastleigh.

"I'm hoping that Shopmobility can stand as her legacy for the disabled in the area," she said.

Mrs Dawes leaves her husband, four children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Her funeral takes place on Wednesday, June 7 at the East Chapel of Southampton Crematorium, starting at 1.40pm. All are welcome to attend and both flowers and donations to Friends of Shopmobility are welcome via funeral directors, AH Rogers and Sons, 64 Market Street, Eastleigh.