Tributes have been paid to veteran Royal British Legion worker Doris Quarterman who has died at the age of 98.

Mrs Quarterman, who covered Blackbird Leys for the ex-servicemen and women's charity for many years, was known by her friends as the 'poppy queen' because of her commitment to the annual fundraising drive, which she began on the Oxford estate in 1968.

Apart from supporting the appeal well into her eighties, Mrs Quarterman also knitted soft toys and blankets for various charities.

Her daughter Sylvia Price, of Merlin Road, Blackbird Leys, said: "She did all her knitting for the Red Cross, Sobell House and diabetes charities. You name it -- she did it. She was a wonderful lady."

Granddaughter TrazePrice, 34, also of Blackbird Leys, added: "Everyone called her Gran, even if they weren't family -- that shows the level of affection people had for her."

Gordon Butler, treasurer of the Littlemore branch of the Legion, said: "We have missed her selling poppies over recent years, although she continued well into her 80s.

"She was a very good servant to the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal."

Following a fire at her home in November, she moved into Iffley House, a residential home for the elderly and never fully recovered. Her funeral took place at the Oxford Crematorium on June 12.

Mrs Quarterman, whose husband Frank died in 1964, had six children, 28 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, and 14 great great-grandchildren.