A MEMORIAL service will take place for the inspirational Lady Sylvia Crathorne, who lost her battle with cancer last month.

Lady Crathorne, who was involved in charity work all over the region, died peacefully at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, aged 67.

As chairwoman of the Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, she was instrumental in driving through its restoration and subsequent re-opening to the public.

The daughter of Brigadier Arthur Herbert Montgomery and screen actress Jane Baxter (real name Theodora Forde), Lady Crathorne was also a talented actress and performed on the stage in the US.

Following her marriage in 1970 to Charles James Dugdale, the 2nd Lord Crathorne, she devoted her time to charity work, becoming involved with the NSPCC, RNLI and the York Georgian Society.

The couple lived at Crathorne House, near Yarm, and had three children.

The service in her memory will take place at York Minster on Thursday at 2pm, lead by the Dean of York.

All are welcome.