An agony aunt who dedicated her life to helping others, especially those with disabilities, has died aged 85.

Daphne Rathbone was chairwoman of The 2000 Club, a Hounslow-based charity, which organises sports activities for people with physical and learning disabilities.

She was also an honorary lifetime member and former chairman of the Disability Network Hounslow charity.

Mrs Rathbone also volunteered at St Paul's Church in Brentford every Tuesday, as part of the Listening Ear service, offering understanding and advice to all-comers.

But she was possibly best known as the former agony aunt in the council magazine Hounslow Matters, according to her close friend Tamar Freer.

"She would always help wherever she could, whether it was readers turning to her for advice or those who just wanted someone willing to listen," said Ms Freer.

"She was like a grandmother to me. I always knew I could turn to her if I had any problems."

Mrs Rathbone, of Trimmer Road, Brentford, had lived in the town her whole life, Ms Freer said. She was married to Marlowe Pratt and had two daughters and several grandchildren.

Ashi Dhillon from the Disability Network Hounslow said: "I've known Daphne for over 30 years and she's been an excellent volunteer during that time.

"She helped and inspired a lot of people, especially those with mental health problems and we're very saddened by her death."

Ms Freer said Mrs Rathbone's family was keen to get in touch with Janet Simmons, who had been a close friend. She asked anyone who could help to call her on 07787 404858.