TRIBUTES have been paid to needlework expert and Women’s Institute stalwart Claire Youngman who died at Dorset County Hospital after a short illness.

Mrs Youngman was born Claire Harmer Pyke in Giza, Egypt, on December 13, 1926, as her father was posted there with the NAAFI.

She spent her early childhood in Egypt until the age of eight, when the her family returned to England and to Ware in Hertfordshire, before moving to Chessington, in Surrey.

She married Fred in 1948, and they had 55 happy years together.

He was in the prison service and was posted to Dorset upon promotion in 1960.

In 1973 they moved to Henley-on-Thames where Mr Youngman worked at a borstal as the chief officer, and after seven years and his retirement, they moved to Portland.

Mrs Youngman was a long standing member of the Portland Women’s Institute, and was well known among WI members across the county for her enthusiasm and her smile.

She was president for more than 25 years, a founder member of the country market, and was most proud of the tapestry that she and her friends stitched depicting the island, which now hanging in Portland Hospital.

She worked tirelessly, alongside her husband, as a trustee of the Island of Portland Heritage Trust, set up in St George’s School.

They also made a good team delivering meals for the Royal Voluntary Service, for which they both received medals.

She ran a Cubs pack and was involved with numerous other community causes.

Mrs Youngman will be best remembered for her creativity in needlework.

She was a member of the Miniature Needlework Society and the West Country Embroidery Society, and twice a year she would judge at craft shows.

A funeral service, held at Weymouth Crematorium on August 11 and conducted by her close friend Carenza Hayhoe, was well attended by WI members from around the county.

She is survived by her son David and daughter Susan, grandchildren David, Nicola and Lindsey, and great grandchildren Jade, Carla, Eva and Sophia.