BERYL Williams one of Highworth's most popular and committed community stalwarts has died at the age of 73.

From arranging flowers in the parish church to making costumes for the annual panto, Beryl was always at the centre of life in the town.

Beryl, who lived in High-worth for more than 30 years, died on Tuesday at the Great Western Hospital, Swindon, where she was being treated after a heart attack.

She will be best remembered for designing and making costumes for Highworth Amateur Dramatics Society.

As well as running the wardrobe, Beryl was also a talented performer and took part in many productions.

Her final performance was in the chorus line of Dick Whittington last year.

Roger Legg, president of HADS, said: "Beryl could make the most wonderful costumes out of nothing, but she was also a confident actress.

"She will be sorely missed by the society."

Her other commitments included singing in the choir at St Michael's Church, running the girl guides, co-editing the parish magazine and helping with the Mothers' Union.

Recently, she had volunteered to help children with reading at Eastrop Infants School. Beryl, whose husband David died in 1990, was proud of her large family.

She had six children, 14 grandchildren and was looking forward to the birth of her first great-grandchild.

Beryl, who worked as an occupational therapy assistant at the now defunct Stratton St Margaret Hospital, lived in Park Avenue, Highworth, with her son Richard and his family.

Richard, 39, said: "She was a bright, bubbly person who had a heart of gold.

"She would help anyone in need, and will leave a big gap in the community and in her family."

The funeral will be at 3.30pm on Monday at St Michael's Church, Highworth.

Tamash Lal