A woman from Watford, described as a "pillar of the community" has died after a battle with cancer.

Diane Hill, 71, died at her home in Cobb Green on Tuesday after a two year fight with breast cancer.

Her niece Sharan Hewitt she was "surrounded by family and completely loved".

She said: "She lived in Watford her whole life. She was a real pillar of the community in Cobb Green, everyone knows her."

Diane was a pupil of Bushey Grammar School, she worked at mother care as an office manager and finally at Watford General Hospital in the records department.

Diane served in the Northwood Women’s Royal Naval Service and also had a black belt in Japanese martial art Aikido.

Diane was also heavily involved in local charities, including Mencap, air ambulance and Peace Hospice Care.

Before she died, Diane made her own funeral arrangements including swapping the traditional hearse for a motorbike and sidecar.

Her funeral will take place on Monday at West Herts Crematorium at 2pm.

Guests are asked not to wear black and instead of flowers are invited to make donations to Watford Workshop or St Francis Hospital in Berkhamsted.