A much-loved Helstonian who dedicated her life to Flora Day has died at the age of 67.

Mary Collins, a former secretary of the Morning and Evening Dance for more than 20 years, passed away on Thursday evening.

Tributes are now pouring in for Ms Collins, who loved Helston and in particular Flora Day, which she was involved in for an incredible 60 years, having first danced as a child in the 1960s.

In 1992 she led the Midday Dance, partnered with Nick Wills, the now honorary secretary of the Flora Day Association. 

The Helston Flora Day Association said it was “with great sadness” that they learned 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.”

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.