Anne Wilkinson, aged 71, a much loved community figure involved with many groups and organisations, has sadly passed away after a recent battle against cancer.

Anne, wife of former Largs and Fairlie councillor Richard Wilkinson, was the ever dependable sub-post mistress at West Kilbride Post Office for 21 years, retiring just a few years ago.

Born on 22 November 1945, Anne had a happy childhood growing up with her family at Warwick Farm in Irvine.

She did her schooling at Irvine Royal Academy for primary and secondary, and went on to the Glasgow School of Domestic Science where she was to excel in cooking, food purchasing, banqueting, and organising large scale events.

Anne was invited by Richard to the Annick Community Centre in 1976 where love blossomed, with Richard proposing at the Seamill Hydro two years later, and both were married in 1979.

With two children Victoria and Miles, Anne became the founder member of the creche at Overton Church, and went on to become involved in great many groups and organisations including the West Kilbride Community Council for 21 years, serving as secretary and vice chairman.

Over the years, Anne was prominently involved in the the Young Farmers', Scottish Women's Institute, West Kilbride Trust, and Largs Town Twinning Association. She also held office in the Conservative Association, standing as a local government candidate on three occasions, and also worked for SSEB.

During Monday's funeral service held at Fairlie Parish Church, which was full to capacity, a remarkable episode was recalled from Anne's post-mistress days when she saw off an intruder at West Kilbride Post Office after a thief had been hiding in the roof area.

She fought off the robber as he attempted to put chloroform on her face, and managed to kick the safe door shut, preventing the intruder from taking the money before ordering him to leave the premises.

Family members and friends praised Anne many talents, energy and enthusiasm, and her cooking and cake decorating were always in great demand by the many groups she served, bringing 'laughter and happiness' at all times. She enjoyed travelling and sewing, regularly making bridesmaids dresses, with life long friends from school, and made many friends in France through town twinning and other events. Anne passed away on 29 December at Crosshouse Hospital.

The family would also like to thank various social care and medical personnel involved in Anne's care through her illness.

A retiring collection was held at Anne's funeral to support the work of West Kilbride District Nurses and St Columba's Hospice, Edinburgh, where Anne spent some time in November.

A service of committal was held at West Kilbride Cemetery, and thereafter to the Waterside Hotel in Seamill.