A Salvation Army stalwart who dedicated her life to helping others has been fondly remembered.

The funeral of Gertrude Hunt, known to family and friends as Betty, who volunteered for the Salvation Army for most of her life, is being held today.

Betty, who never married and did not have any children, lived independently in Pelham Road, Wimbledon, and was supported by family members and friends who lived nearby until her death aged 85 on Remembrance Sunday.

Annette Wicks of the Wimbledon branch said she will be familiar to many from the years when she used to sell the organisation's War Cry newspaper in the local pubs.

She would lead Salvation Army marches to street meetings carrying the flag and 18 years ago she helped to set up the parent and toddler group and she only gave up helping at the twice weekly group just over a year ago when her mobility became worse.

Her niece Loni Smith said Betty had bad lungs and pneumonia and died at St George’s Hospital where she had been for three months.

"She was very fit and well before that," Miss Smith said.

Miss Smith’s mother Julie Smith said Betty, who was her aunt, was adopted with her brother Rob in the 1940s or 1950s.

Julie said: "They were all members of the Salvation Army, she grew up with it.

"Betty was treasurer and held the flags.

"She was involved with the church from when she was a little girl.

"She was very committed."

Julie said her aunt was very proud to be a member and will be cremated in her uniform.

The family have requested donations to be made in her memory to the Salvation Army.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Salvation Army Hall today from 1.30pm at 109 Kingston Road, Wimbledon, before going to the Lambeth Crematorium and Cemetery in Blackshaw Road, Tooting at 2.45pm.

There will be refreshments at the Salvation Army Hall afterwards.