A nurse and midwife, who was made an MBE for services to the community, has died aged 85.

Elizabeth Mitchell, who lived in Great Dunham and Swaffham, never gave up caring for others.

After training and working in the west country and Scotland, delivering nearly 1,000 babies in their own homes, she volunteered for Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice caring for patients with cancer or terminal illnesses, having moved to Norfolk to 'retire' with her husband Keith.

Staff at the hospice remember her as a 'little lady with a huge heart' who would volunteer to visit patients at home for end of life care, help in day care as well as fundraising and offering bereavement support.

Co-ordinator Wendy Martin said: 'She was kind, caring and always prepared to drop whatever she was doing to answer a call for help.

'Her cheery smile and gentle words helped in all situations. She was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her.'

Her philosophy in life was that if you undertook a task you saw it through to conclusion and never gave up, said her family.

She was modest too. She initially refused to accept the surprise award of the MBE but was persuaded that so many people had wanted it to happen.

Her life revolved around her family - the couple had three children - her work in the community and her strong Christian faith.

She was a member of the PCC for both Castle Acre and Great Dunham churches and Deanery Synod Respresentative for the latter. She was a bell ringer, played piano and church organ and enjoyed singing in church choirs.

In her younger days she enjoyed ballroom dancing and reached gold medal standard. She supported her local football teams as well as playing tennis, watching village cricket and supporting Worcestershire and England.

Mrs Mitchell died on Easter Saturday at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn.

A cremation service will be held on Wednesday, May 3 at 1pm at Mintlyn Crematorium followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at 2.30pm at St James The Great Church, Castle Acre. Family flowers only, but donations may given for Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice Support at the service or sent c/o Fakenham & District Funeral Services Ltd, Weasenham Manor, PE32 2TF.