TRIBUTES have been paid to one of St John Ambulance’s most diligent members, Lesbia Percival, who has died after a battle with cancer.

Mrs Percival, who was 78 and lived in Biddenden, near Ashford, was the organisation’s county secretary from 1973 to 1990, continuing to help after retirement.

Her son, Jonathan Shaw, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, said: "She was modest and engaging and was by nature an optimist.

"She had long lasting friendships, some of which dated back to when she started work in London at age 15."

Mrs Percival joined St John Ambulance in 1972, having raised three sons with husband Alan.

As a shorthand typist, she worked as assistant to the county secretary, Gordon Burgess, succeeded him in the role when he died the following year.

The organisation’s year book for 1991 recalls: "The whole of Kent administration was her province, county records excepted, and for several years she had but little help in the office and part-timers at that.

"She quickly qualified in first aid and home nursing, joining the brigade, doing her share of public duties."

Mrs Percival, originally from West Wickham, lived in Staplehurst, Maidstone and Aylesford before moving to Biddenden.

After her retirement in 1990, she was married again, this time to Robert Percival, the retired commander of St John Ambulance.

Upon retiring, she joined the committee of the Friends of the St John Home and was honorary secretary to the Ashford Ramblers.

Mr Shaw added: "She really enjoyed her time with St John and was dedicated to the organisation."

Mrs Percival leaves two sons, Jonathan and Gary - a third, Philip, died in 2006 - and four grandchildren.

Her funeral will be held at Vinters Crematorium in Vinters Park, Maidstone, on Friday, February 15, at 12.30pm.

Flowers or donations to the Friends of St John Home can be made via Clarke’s Funeral Service in Snodland.