A village stalwart who dedicated her life to her local community will be remembered for her huge energy and enthusiasm to get things done.

Vivienne Spratt was a long-serving parish councillor in Littlebourne, near Canterbury, including many years as chairman and was passionate about improving its facilities, services and appearance.

Indeed, the blossoming cherry trees which line the road by the recreation ground will be a lasting memory to her, say villagers, as she had them planted.

Mrs Spratt died in hospital on July 19 following a short illness, which has sparked many tributes.

A keen supporter of young people, she had raised funds for much of the play and gym equipment on the recreation ground and, together with her husband Howard, was instrumental in getting the BMX track built.

Mrs Spratt also started the youth club and helped to secure funding for the youth shelter.

She was also active on the village hall committee and helped many local organisations with their bids for funding.

Current parish council chairman Dr Peter Farrow says she was a very influential leader with a great drive to carry out projects to their conclusion.

“Her skills to fundraise enabled many public works in Littlebourne including the major extension to the village shop, where the rent paid goes to a Community Fund used to this day for support of voluntary organisations throughout the village,” he said.

“She was always available to offer her knowledge and personal guidance to her council successors with her special brand of caring and common sense.

“Viv’s public service continued after her work on the council by running the valued Neighbourhood Watch information via regular email.

“We salute her for all her contribution to Littlebourne and for her humanity.”

Her passing has also sparked a raft of tributes on the Littlebourne Residents’ Facebook page.

Heather Inkpen said: “The whole village will miss her. I will think of her every year when those trees, and the daffodils, along the rec are in bloom. She was an amazing lady.”

Melanie Moore added: “Her accomplishments and involvements were numerous and such an inspiration to me and other councillors.”

But the greatest loss will be felt by her family, including her son Paul, daughter Marissa, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren, who she doted on.

“She was just a wonderful mum and grandmother who, together with our dad Howard, brought us up to behave the right way and do the right thing,” Paul said.

Mrs Spratt had met her husband Howard when she was just 15 and he came to visit her parents home in Canterbury in his job as a gas fitter.

The following year they were married and moved to Littlebourne in 1996.

They remained dedicated to each other for more than 50 years until his passing 2012.

But he was able to share in her pride the previous year when she was made an MBE by the then Prince Charles for services to community and charity.

A keen gardener, Mrs Spratt’s home in Rose Acre Road was a testament to her green fingers and attracted many compliments. She was also a qualified flower-arranging judge.

“She was a special lady and to read the many heartfelt tributes to her has been a great comfort to the family,” said Paul.

Mrs Spratt’s funeral is at 4pm on Friday, August 9 at Barham Crematorium to which all are welcome.

It will be followed by a wake at the Black Robin at Kingston.