A DEDICATED volunteer who 'always did her best to help others' was still working just two days before she died.

Joy Daine, 94, from Burnham-on-Sea, died in October after volunteering at the Princess Theatre and Arts Centre for three years.

She started volunteering in 2014 after the death of her husband Harry and was an active member of the theatre's art group.

"Coming to the Princess was Joy's way of getting back into the community after Harry's death.

"They were childhood sweethearts and Joy really enjoyed serving tea and coffees because she met lots of people and became a bigger part of the community," Craig Denny, deputy manager of the Princess Theatre said.

Joy served tea's and coffees at the theatre's cafe and helped run the centre's arts group in the three years that she worked there.

"Joy really enjoyed being a part of the art group as she was always creative.

"She loved the fact that she was never treated differently from anyone else volunteering here.

"There were things that she couldn't do but she always did her best to do her part.

"She was still working for us up until two days before her death, she was highly valued and made everyone feel very welcome," Mr Denny said.

But unbelievably, on the day of Joy's funeral, Mr Denny claims burglars broke into her home and took a number of items.

"When I heard about what had happened I couldn't believe it.

"I think her son found out on the day of her funeral but we found out a few days later.

"I don't know how much was taken but its disgusting that someone could do such a horrible thing to such a kind lady on the day of her funeral," Mr Denny said.

Despite the funeral horror, the deputy manager says staff and volunteers at The Princess have fond memories of the pensioner.

"Joy was a kind, little lady who always did her best to help others.

"She worked as hard as all the other volunteers and showed that you can volunteer at any age.

"Everyone at The Princess loved Joy, she was a pleasure to be around and to work with.

"She was a member of the U3A and of a number of community groups in Burnham, she is missed by staff and volunteers here," Mr Denny said.