TRIBUTES have been paid to the president of Bournemouth Society for the Visually Impaired who died on December 18, at the age of 92.

Tireless charity worker Dorothy Cook started the society in 1955 when the centre was a residential home for the blind and boasted up to 50 volunteers.

The much-loved wife, mother and grandmother arranged holidays, garden fetes and co-ordinated transport to events, as well as drama and handicraft classes, card games and running a choir.

She also wrote the newsletter, assisted by her husband Alfred when he retired.

Dorothy once said: “I used to imagine what it would be like losing your sight and tried putting a scarf around my head to see how difficult it was.”

When the home had to close, a resource centre was opened on the top floor for the benefit of the visually impaired.

Dorothy was appointed president in 2007 and continued to support the worthy cause.

Reflecting on her role she said: “I’m here for anything they want me to do but I won’t interfere, it is time for someone new with new ideas.

“It has given me personal pleasure to help others with a disability.”

Paying tribute to Dorothy the BSVI said: “Everyone appreciated her happy smile and her hard work and enthusiasm for the charity, over the years.

“We extend our sympathy to Alfred, her son Martin and his family at this sad time. Dorothy will be greatly missed.

“At a time when we need more volunteers we realise, more than ever, what an inspiration she was and how she will be impossible to replace. She was truly one of a kind.”

Dorothy’s funeral service was held at Christchurch Priory on January 2, followed by a private committal at Bournemouth Crematorium.