TRIBUTES have been paid to a "vibrant" and "inspirational" Upavon woman who enjoyed "life to the full".

Helen Walker-Brown, 97, died on November 17 in a crash on the A345 at Netheravon.

She was travelling south towards Amesbury, and on the correct side of the road when she was involved in a collision that took her life.

Her family said: "Helen married Bob Walker-Brown and moved to Upavon from London in 1995. She immediately became fully involved in the community making many new friends.

"She and Bob enjoyed 14 very happy years together in Upavon where she and Bob were often at the centre of social gatherings. They were very always generous hosts.

"Helen was sadly widowed in 2009, but she still remained in demand as a guest at parties where she was lively company and always very entertaining. She was a very vibrant person with a lust for life. In spite of her good age, she was still making home improvements, planting trees and tending her garden in any weather.

"She had been a very keen angler in the past, but in recent times her passions included being an active member of the Milton Art Group, attending art galleries and exhibitions on a regular basis. She also attended the theatre, and loved to watch live broadcasts by the Royal Ballet at local cinemas with her friends.

"Helen was also very much at home with the younger generation – children enjoyed her company, and she played a pretty mean game of 'cheat'. She had an open ear to friends who may be struggling with personal problems and always dispensed sensible advice with a lovely smile.

"Helen never turned down a party invitation, and enjoyed her life to the full. She was an inspiration to all, and everyone who knew her will miss her laughter, wit and wisdom."