TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular volunteer who helped run a number of events for elderly people across Hounslow.

Geeta Dasgupta, who passed away earlier this month, aged 62, founded the older people's group Golden Age Hounslow and the Sager Gujarati women's group.

The former social worker also supported groups including Diabetes UK, Age Concern, the Stroke and Falls Prevention Programme and the Older People's Pool, which scrutinises services for Hounslow's senior citizens.

She organised European trips for older people as well as a number of events closer to home, including an Antakshari musical relay in 2009 and a Gujarati Gala Day last year. She had recently qualified as a health trainer.

Mrs Dasgupta was born Geeta Amin in London in 1948. Her father was a doctor who practised in Bermondsey throughout the Second World War.

She worked in Hounslow Council's social services before taking early retirement and ploughing her energies into her main passion - encouraging social interaction between people of different cultures and age groups.

According to friends, she believed that being born in London before the influx of Asian immigrants gave her a rare advantage in bridging the culture divide. Her late husband Shankar Dasgupta was a well-known singer in India during the 50s and 60s.

Councillor Gurmail Lal, lead member for adult social care, said: "It is with great sadness we have recently learned that Geeta Dasgupta has sadly passed away. She dedicated a great deal of her time in helping others and promoting healthy lifestyle messages locally.

"She strongly believed in the need to build community relations in the borough and during her time working here Geeta played an important role in developing community cohesion and engagement, themes which continue to be a high priority today."

Mrs Dasgupta had been in poor health for some time before her death. She is survived by her brothers, sister, nieces and nephew, who live in London.

Her funeral takes place on Sunday at 11am at Mortlake Crematorium.