TRIBUTES have been paid to a community stalwart who died on Saturday.

Gladys Allbut, formerly of Oakly Road in Southcrest, helped to set up many community groups in the town.

She was one of the pioneers behind the town's Community Relations Council (CRC) and was the treasurer of the organisation for many years.

She was heavily involved in supporting Redditch womens' refuge and set up and ran a youth club for youngsters in Oakly Road for 16 years, along with former Redditch Mayor Madge Tillsley.

Mrs Allbut, a widow, was also involved in the multi-faith centre at the Alexandra Hospital, founded a residents' association for Oakly Road and helped co-ordinate luncheon clubs for senior citizens from various ethnic groups all over the town.

Mrs Tillsley, who helped set up the CRC with Mrs Allbut in the 1970s along with Betty Passingham and Elsie Williams, said: "This is a very sad time for the town - she was an absolute credit to Redditch.

"She did so much for so many groups and individuals around the town. She always did everything she could to help others.

"Gladys was a volunteer in the true sense of the word. She never received or expected payment for anything she did. She did it all because she loved this town so much."

Mrs Allbut, who had four children and eight granchildren, lived in Oakly Road until moving to Roxboro House sheltered housing.

She died in the Alex surrounded by her family.