A BELOVED former lollipop lady has died at the age of 92.

Daphne Penhale, known better as Daphne the Lollipop Lady, passed away on Thursday.

Daphne served as a lollipop lady for more than 30 years at Ammanford Bus Station, becoming a well known and much loved member of the community.

Paying tribute to her, Daphne's daughter, Jenny Tanckock said: "She will be remembered in this valley of ours for her full of fun, bubbly personality, her mop of curly red hair, her flame orange lippy and of course her glam taste in clothes - in particular leopard skin print.

"She was truly a character.

"She was a lover and protector of animals and having served for more than 30 years in her much loved job as a lollipop lady, she was an integral part of our community.

"Several generations have so many lovely memories to share of her - she was simply a legend.

"As a family we could honestly write a book about her and she herself had so many stories to tell.

"She was born in 1927 and lived through the Second World War, and loved and lost some precious people over the years.

"Her brother Verdi, a miner died young due to silicosis, and her brother Danny was killed in action in North Africa, aged just 26 years.

"Buried in Tunisia, Daphne made several pilgrimages in later life to visit his grave.

"As a family our hearts are absolutely breaking, but we can honestly say that she lived her best life.

"She was a much loved mam, gran, great gran, sister, aunty, cousin, friend, and so much more.

"Sleep tight now Daphne Penhale."

Daphne Penhale's funeral will be held at Llanelli Crematorium on September 24 at midday.

She will be taken across the pelican crossing on Ammanford slowly on the way to the crematorium.

As a tribute to Daphne, ladies attending are requested to wear something in a leopard skin print.

Family flowers only, but donations in lieu would be welcome to West Wales Poundies and Cats Protection Carmarthenshire.

Donations will be kindly received by funeral directors D Wynne Evans & Sons