TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-liked resident who was said to have had Hornsea in her heart.
Polly Worsdale lost her battle with bowel cancer on Friday. She was aged 63.
Her husband, Ian, last night led the tributes to her and insisted he was lucky to have known her.
He said: "I have had a wonderful time with Polly. She was great fun.
"She enjoyed the garden and cooking and loved Hornsea and helping people."
Mrs Worsdale, a former teacher and councillor, was a member of several of the town's organisations, ranging from the civic society, regeneration groups, to the Hornsea Lions and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
As well as helping to raise thousands of pounds for various charities, she also had a feisty side, which proved vital in several campaigns.
She even opened an alternative tourist information centre in the town, gathering volunteers and leaflets, when the official centre was closed down.
Mr Worsdale said: "When she was fighting to keep open the Willows residential home, I remember a policeman chasing her.
"It wasn't just community issues. She was once on TV challenging chef Antony Worrall Thompson as to who could make the best Yorkshire Puddings.
"She won."
For a decade, Mrs Worsdale volunteered with Hornsea Inshore Rescue, as a trustee, a fundraiser and a press officer.
The team have named a trophy in her memory, which will be awarded to their annual fundraiser of the year.
Sue Hickson-Marsay, chairwoman of the life-saving organisation, described Mrs Worsdale as an "inspiration".
She said: "She was such a character and wonderful in every area you would want to be wonderful in.
"She was always interested in Hornsea Inshore Rescue from the beginning and was very hard- working.
"She took chances and was always there for everybody.
"She was one of the biggest characters in Hornsea and Hornsea should be really proud to have had her. We will all miss her so much."
Mrs Worsdale helped communities across the East Riding.
Mick Pilling, of Bridlington, got to know Polly when he began campaigning to save services at Bridlington hospital.
He said: "I contacted Polly when we set up the Save Bridlington Hospital Campaign Group.
"I explained the situation and Polly agreed to offer her services.
"At the time, she was fighting to save the Hornsea Cottage Hospital.
"She asked for our help as she had organised a march in Hornsea.
"Later, Polly helped with our campaign to save Bridlington Hospital as it affected Hornsea.
"She was always a good friend and we spoke many times either at meetings or through e-mails.
"Polly will be sadly missed. Hornsea has lost a stalwart."
A celebration of Polly's life will be held later this month.
Details will be published in the Mail later.
