TRIBUTES have been paid to one of region's most dedicated workers for the British Red Cross.

Marion Staddon, who died aged 74, spent almost half a century supporting the charity and promoting its aims and ideals.

Mrs Staddon, who lived in Shincliffe, near Durham, joined the British Red Cross in 1954 and went on to attain many honours and awards within the organisation, including the MBE in 1981.

She served on numerous Red Cross committees both locally and nationally.

In her Red Cross uniform she was a familiar figure around Durham, organising and working at first aid posts for public events, fundraising and for many years assisting in the casualty department of the old Dryburn Hospital.

Her favourite activities were working in the Coxhoe based Red Cross charity shop and arranging the annual ex-prisoner of war reunion lunch.

She remained an active member of the organisation right up until her death and will be greatly missed by her friends and colleagues throughout the British Red Cross Society.