"One in a million" and "an absolute one off" are among the words of tribute paid to a secretary of Helston Flora Day for more than two decades who has died aged 67.

The family of Mary Collins say they have been left "overwhelmed" by the hundreds of thoughtful tributes that they have received since her death last Thursday.

One of her sisters, Jane Rowntree, said: "She would be so proud of all the comments that have been said.

"She was one in a million. Everybody loved her. She was a star and the light has gone."

A true Helstonian, born in Beacon Parc, Mary was so proud when she was asked to be secretary of the Flora Day Morning and Evening Dance and continued this work for more than 20 years.

"Flora Day was her life. She was a stalwart for it," said Jane.

Mary was involved in the event for an incredible 60 years, having first danced as a child in the 1960s. In 1992 she was honoured to lead the Midday Dance, partnered on that occasion with Nick Wills, now honorary secretary of Helston Flora Day Association.

Alongside Flora Day, Mary's other great love was working behind a bar - a job she had held since the age of 18, including at The Bell as recently as three or four years ago.

She also worked at Flora Cinema for a number of years and took extra cleaning jobs.

"She was a hard worker," said Jane. "But she was also the life and soul of a party. If ever there was a party she would be invited and be the last to leave."

Mary is survived by her brother Peter Collins and sisters Jane Rowntree and Helen Nelson, who she was close to all her life.

She was also known as "favourite aunty" by all her nieces and nephews.

Mary had expected to be given the final all clear by her doctor in May, following a cancer diagnosis ten years ago, but sadly just after Christmas she learnt that the disease had returned suddenly and spread.

Helston Town Band has offered to form a guard of honour for her funeral at Camborne Crematorium, as well as play the Flora Dance as she enters.

A date has yet to be fixed, although Pendle Funeral Services will be overseeing the funeral.

The Helston Flora Day Association said it was “with great sadness” that they learnt of her death, adding: “The Helston Flora Day Association would like to send our condolences and deepest sympathy to her family at this very sad time.”

John Eddy, chairman of the Flora Day Stewards, said: "Mary’s service to Flora Day will be remembered for the years of dedication to the Morning and Evening Dance as secretary and the unbridled love of the day.

"She was very Helstonian and a passionate believer in Flora Day."

Members of the public have also been paying their respects, on the Flora Day Association’s Facebook page.

Patricia Long described Ms Collins as "an absolute one off," while Ann Bush simply wrote: "She was Flora Day; she will be greatly missed."

One commenter even suggested that one of the dances could be named after Ms Collins as a memorial for her hard work.

Pam Kitchen told the Packet she was "proud" to be a friend of Mary's for almost 30 years, adding: "She was funny, endearing, the life and soul of any party but was always there when needed, with a smile and a warm heart.

"She was a unique character; they broke the mould when she was made, she will be missed and mourned by many."