The 'incredibly glamorous' Karen Last has passed away

Karen Last, who her friends described as a "fun and colourful character with a wicked sense of humour" died of cancer on Saturday, June 29.

Born in Bedford in September 1954, Karen, an only child, moved to Bournemouth with her parents and joined the Echo newspaper's promotion team in the late 1980s.

Her close friend, Lorraine Gibson, who previously worked as a feature writer at the Bournemouth Echo, said: "Karen was incredibly glamorous and very friendly.

"When I walked through the door on my first day at the Echo, I was met with a beaming, smiling, golden-tanned goddess.

"It's cliché to say that she 'lit up the room', but she really did. When Karen arrived in a room it was like a rock star had turned up."

While working with the promotions team, she escorted readers on cruises, holidays, and concerts, including Wembley to see George Michael, 'one of her personal idols'.

Through her work, Karen helped raise thousands of pounds by organising charity events, including The Old Ben Boxing, auction nights, and the James Bond premiere at the old Odeon cinema in Westover Road.

Lorraine said: "Karen loved her job. For someone who loved travelling and socialising it was the perfect role for her, and she did it really well."

"She will be desperately missed by myself and my husband, and my children, she was auntie Karen to them."

"Died of cancer, Karen Last, but by no means least." Lorraine added.

Karen left the Echo in the early 2000s and joined Liverpool Victoria, where she worked until she passed away at Forest Holme Hospice in Poole.

Karen loved animals, and therefore, a fundraiser for Battersea, an animal charity in her memory.

Karen's former boss, Clive Tyers, said: "Rest in peace. I will always remember the many fun times."

A funeral is being held the Bournemouth Crematorium in Strouden Avenue on Friday, July 19 at 1pm, and everyone is invited to pay respects.

Karen requested people wear colourful clothes for the service.