A dedicated volunteer has passed away after a lifetime of service to others.

Sylvia Conybear-Bloom, 81, spent her life tirelessly caring for the people around her.

Born at her childhood home in 1937, in Sutton-at-Hone, Dartford, Sylvia remained an active member of the local community for many years.

She received recognition from Dartford council for her voluntary services, and spent more than 20 years volunteering at We Are Beams.

Sylvia took on her role at the Hextable-based children's charity after retiring, a time when most decide to slow down and put their feet up.

It was a job that she thoroughly enjoyed, which allowed her to meet many wonderful people whilst supporting disabled children and their families.

Sylvia was the youngest of two children, and her mother worked at various cleaning jobs and at the Horton Kirby Paper Mill.

Her father was a local bus driver.

Sylvia herself worked within the Civil Service, and met her 2nd husband, Joe, whilst volunteering in the early 80s.

She had decided to take a week of annual leave to volunteer at Skylarks Nursing Home in Nottingham, and met Joe whilst he was also volunteering.

The pair spent many happy years together before Joe sadly passed away seven years ago.

Throughout her life, Sylvia played a key part at Sutton-at-Hone Methodist Church, where she had been a member since childhood.

She would refer to the other church members as "her girls" and was happy to transport them to various appointments, because there was nobody else to take them.

Sylvia leaves behind four sons and 11 grandchildren.

In a joint statement, her sons said: "Family have always been at the forefront of Mum's life, along with her passion for helping people and her love of animals.

"Mum was very caring and kind and spent her life giving her time to others including poorly neighbours, charities and the church.

"She was well known for her sense of humour and happy nature.

"Mum has left a huge void in her family and friends' lives, but given each and every one of us so many happy memories, that she will never be forgotten, but truly missed."

Katrina Adams, head of charity Beams, said: "Sylvia was a part of the fabric of Beams and all that we stand for.

"She will be deeply missed by our members as well as staff for her hard work and dedication to children and families with a disabled child."