TRIBUTES have being paid to Val Rogers, a Brownie leader and commissioner for the Ouse and Derwent District, who died in hospital after suffering a heart attack.

Mrs Rogers, 65, had been commissioner for three years and was Guide leader with the Barlby Methodist pack. Last year she was presented with a 20-year-long service award.

Judith Bellamy, county commissioner for Girl Guiding, said: “Val was a great leader and well respected in the movement. She was a much-loved leader with a great enthusiasm for Guiding. She will be missed.”

She had worked in the Hazelwood canteen, Selby, and joined the staff at Wilkinson’s, in Abbey Walk, before she retired aged 60.

Along with husband, John, she played bowls for Selby Olympia in the Selby League, where she was also secretary. The couple served on Osgodby Village Institute committee, with Val being its secretary for ten years. She was also an associate member of the Selby Naval Association with John, who had served in the Navy.

Val leaves widower John, son Mark and daughter Julie, and five grandchildren. Her funeral will be held at Barlby Parish Church on Friday, May 1, at 10.30am, followed by interment at Barlby church.