The funeral takes place at Didcot Methodist Church on May 2 of Mary Case, whose baking and cooking helped raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Miss Case, 77, who died at her home in Freeman Road, Didcot, was a tireless worker for good causes, in particular through the church and the Women's Royal Voluntary Service.

For many years she was employed by the district council -- initially with the former Wallingford Rural Council and then as land charges officer with South Oxfordshire District Council.

Following retirement in 1991, she continued to act as a presiding officer at elections, and was to have been on duty at Lydalls Nursery School polling station for today's council elections.

She was active in many capacities at Didcot Methodist Church where the minister, the Rev Tim Dibble, said: "The church was her close family."

She was a member of the Wesley Guild and organised the annual guild carol service, and was chairman of the church's National Children's Home group, for which she helped raise money with the sale of her cakes and pies.

Mr Dibble said: "Despite suffering from osteoporosis, Mary would spend at least two days a week baking and cooking for the benefit of others."

The funeral at 3pm will be followed by cremation at Oxford.