TRIBUTES have been paid to the founder of the Canterbury Open Centre for the homeless, Joan Scrine, who has died after a long fight against cancer. Mrs Scrine passed away at the Pilgrims Hospice aged 82.

Her legacy will be a facility which has brought relief and hope to hundreds of homeless people over the last 12 years. Manager of the centre, Mike Emberson said: "Quite simply, without Joan there would be no Open Centre.

"She founded the charity in 1990 and under her guidance and leadership, it has grown from strength to strength. It was created only through her vision and determination and many clients have her to thank that they are now leading more settled and fulfilling lives."

He added: "She was quite tenacious in her efforts to build relationships with grant-making trusts which resulted in the charity securing its home at Palmer House and a lottery bid of £435,000."

Mrs Scrine became involved in charity work, for which she received an MBE in 1998, after a career with Social Services. She working predominately in the mental health sector and also lectured in social work studied at Kent University. But through her deeply held Christian values, she realised there was a desperate need for more support for the growing number of homeless people on Canterbury' streets.

It began with a three day facility to give the homeless some respite and cheer over Christmas and grew into a 24 hour, 365 days a year service. She is also credited with starting the local branch of the mental health charity Mustard Seed and being instrumental in the setting up of the Canterbury Umbrella group.

Lord Mayor, Cllr Fred Whitemore, who is a member of the street working party for the homeless, said: "She was a wonderfully dedicated woman who death is very sad. But she will be warmly remembered for her work for good causes."

A spokesman for Canterbury Cathedral said: "Mrs Scrine and her husband, Ralph, were regular members of our congregation and her Christian faith gave her the strength to work tirelessly on behalf of the homeless."