METHODISTS from across the York area came to Upper Poppleton for a service to celebrate the life of long-serving local preacher Audrey Cussans.

Mrs Cussans, a widow who leaves a daughter, Liz, and grandchildren, Alex and Tom, died on May 30. Her funeral was delayed until this week, when her grandchildren's exams were over.

Mrs Cussans first took to the pulpit in 1942 but became a fully accredited preacher in 1945.

Fifty years later, she was presented with a special certificate to mark her half-century in the role.

Over the years, she took an estimated 1,500 services at churches all over the area.

Updated: 08:48 Friday, June 20, 2003