THE ‘determined’ founder of Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary died yesterday at the age of 100.

Tributes were paid to Margaret Gray, whose actions 50 years ago led to better care for pets in the county, after she died at the John Radcliffe Hospital following an illness.

It was her efforts that led to the establishment of Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary in Stadhampton, which is celebrating its half-century this year.

Albert Honey, 70, from Faringdon, worked with Miss Gray at the sanctuary and said he had lost ‘a good friend’.

He added: “For Margaret, the welfare of the animals was paramount at all times.

“She ensured they were cared for the in the best possible way - she was very strict but she was a wonderful person and thanks to her efforts thousands of abandoned animals have been cared for and rehomed.”

Mr Honey, a former animal welfare officer for Thames Valley Police, was awarded the MBE in 1997 for his animal welfare work.

He added: “I gained a lot of information over the years from Margaret’s guidance and if I stepped out of line she would summon me round to her house for a dressing down.

“Everyone connected with the sanctuary will be saddened by the loss of Margaret - her effort and her determination can not be underestimated.”

Mr Honey said Miss Gray, who used to live in Blandford Avenue in Oxford, moved to a nursing home a few years ago.

He added: “As far as I know she was not married and did not have any children.”

Dorothy Hughes, 96, from Steventon, said: “I worked with Margaret on the Oxford committee of the RSPCA before she started the sanctuary and we used to collect the problem dogs.

“I’m sorry to hear Margaret has died - she had been ill for some time.”

Last year the charity celebrated Miss Gray’s 100th birthday by launching a fundraising drive.

Sanctuary chairman Debbie Heath, who took over from Miss Gray as chairman, said: “Everyone at the sanctuary is sad to hear this news - she was a lovely lady.

“Margaret ran the sanctuary like a ship’s captain.”