A well known and much loved member of the Poole community, Kath Barrington, has died at the age of 95.

Born and raised in Poole, the eldest of four children, Kath attended Lagland Street and South Road schools, gaining a county scholarship at the age of 11.

"During the Second World War Kath served in the WAAF primarily at Roborough with the 691 Squadron. Corporal 'Barrie' Barrington was NCO in charge of the orderly room, a role predominately the domain of male officers. She was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1946 for her wartime service," said Graham Dyke, Kath's nephew.

Kath trained as a teacher at Bletchley Park in 1948 where she was also elected the first Library Keeper. Her first teaching post was at Sixpenny Handley where she recorded, 'there was no running water, few books, no social life and a three-mile cycle ride to work across poor roads - but was never late'.

Teaching posts at South Road and Hillbourne schools followed, which included a Canadian teacher exchange programme in 1955/56, before being appointed deputy head at Hillbourne County Primary Infants School in 1970.

"Kath retired in 1981 after 34 years of teaching. Always keen to try out the latest teaching methods, even if some were not at all practical, she is remembered with affection by former colleagues and pupils alike as a 'first-class teacher with a real sense of vocation and an inspiring personality'," said Graham.

A 50 year association with the Brownies saw Kath serve as Brown Owl for 24 years to the 5th Poole Brownies before retiring in 1978. She later joined the Trefoil Guild and served as president for many years.

A person of strong faith and belief, Kath was an active member of Skinner Street United Reformed Church for over 80 years becoming a church member in 1936, Sunday school teacher, serving as an Elder for 54 years and church secretary for 15 years. Her dedication, love, care, wise counsel and organisational skills were appreciated by all.

In 2012 Kath took part in the first public crossing of the Twin Sails Bridge, having previously taken part in the first crossing of the Hamworthy Lifting Bridge in 1927. The following month the Old Town First School and Nursery invited former pupil and teacher Kath to cut the ribbon to their new centenary garden.

"Although Kath never married, she took a keen interest in the lives and careers of her wider family and led a very rich, varied and independent lifestyle. She travelled widely and formed many lifelong friendships and retained a razor-sharp memory. She touched the hearts of everyone that knew her," said Graham.

Kath died peacefully at Regency Manor Care Home on March 23. Her funeral was held at Skinner Street United Reformed Church on April 7. She is survived by her sisters Iris and Dorothy, sister-in-law Peg, six nephews and nieces and many great and great, great nephew and nieces.