A community stalwart whose tireless voluntary work earned her a Lord Mayor’s award has died aged 52.

Pat Cook, the caretaker and events organiser at the Thanington Resource Centre, passed away at home on Friday.

The centre’s chief executive, Paula Spencer, has told the Gazette that Miss Cook was loved by all and will be dearly missed.

“She really was the kindest, most generous person I’ve ever known,” said Mrs Spencer. “She was a completely unselfish person who gave her time and energy for others.”

Miss Cook lived opposite the Thanington centre in Windsor Road.

She was known as a community organiser, running day trips and other events, with her efforts earning her the Lord Mayor’s Community Award in 2012.

Mrs Spencer said: “You’d often see Pat with a trail of kids behind her – almost like the Pied Piper.

“She would shuttle children to and from school and manage to do this on top of her full-time job.

“I loved her. We all loved her. She will be dearly missed.”

Miss Cook leaves behind her partner Anthony Coombs and daughters Stacey and Kimberley, who are both in their 20s.

A fundrasing webpage has been set up in Miss Cook's memory by her family, with proceeds to go to disadvantaged children in the Thanington community.

To donate, visit http://bit.ly/1qSSZ5T