A MEMORIAL service is being held today for a woman who was at the heart of the cultural and musical life of Weardale.

Ann Harrison died after a long battle against cancer earlier this week. She was 64.

Tributes have been pouring into her home at Stanhope, praising the work she did as a founder of the Weardale Society, which aims to preserve the history and culture of the dale.

But Mrs Harrison will be remembered as the daughter of Jack Woodhall, who for 50 years was the conductor of the prize-winning Stanhope Silver Band.

Friends say she was very proud to be known as Jack Woodhall's daughter.

During a busy working life Mrs Harrison was a controller with the Durham Fire Service.

On returning to live at Stanhope from Newton Aycliffe, she became one of the first information assistants at the Durham Dales Centre. She was also a life-long member of the Methodist congregation at Stanhope.

Mrs Harrison leaves a husband, Stan, and two daughters, Catherine and Helen.

Her memorial service takes place at Stanhope Methodist Church at 11am today.