A lynch pin of Cromer, Brenda Hare worked tirelessly for the town which she loved.

Eastern Daily Press: Brenda Hare with from left to right granddaughther Beth, daughter Diana and grandsons Dan and Oscar. Picture: DIANA HAREBrenda Hare with from left to right granddaughther Beth, daughter Diana and grandsons Dan and Oscar. Picture: DIANA HARE (Image: Archant)

Mrs Hare, who has died aged 85, was a passionate advocate of the arts and education.

She took on the position of Cromer Music, Drama and Dance Festival chairman from 1983, becoming its president in 2003 - a position she held until her death.

Mrs Hare was passionate about sharing her knowledge and love of Norfolk. Over her lifetime she wrote for several publications including the EDP, mainly about local history, and in the early 1960s presented reports about Poppyland and the Norfolk coast for BBC Look East.

The mum of five spent most of her career as a teacher of geography at Sutherland House school on Overstrand Road in Cromer and Runton Hill in West Runton from the late 1950s. She could often be found on the beach, exploring the geology of the cliffs and hunting for unusual stones and fossils with her pupils.

Mrs Hare became the first chairman of the Cromer Preservation Society, campaigning for greater recognition of the town's heritage. She sat as part of the Millennium Committee which initiated the now hugely popular New Year's Day fireworks.

Mrs Hare also ran the Cromer Society which organised talks for residents of the town and when she retired carried on delivering lectures and classes to adult education services.

Head girl at North Walsham Girls' High School in the 1940s - a degree at Manchester University followed, where she became politically active within the students' union.

Daughter Diana, who is development editor for BBC English Regions, said:

'In my opinion Cromer has lost one of it's real gems. She was a huge influence on me and inspired my own career with the BBC.

'Brenda believed passionately about giving children and adults an opportunity to build their confidence on the stage and most importantly, in encouraging the joy of sharing music. Blessed with boundless energy, she led by example, succeeding in influencing and leading the many organisations she was involved with.'

Mrs Hare is survived by four of her five children, 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Her funeral will be held in Cromer Parish Church on February 10 at 2pm.