TRIBUTES have been paid to a woman who spent her life caring for injured and abandoned animals.

Daphne Parmenter died on December 15, aged 94.

Mrs Parmenter was the superintendent and treasurer of the Ipswich and District Animal Welfare Centre and had worked with the charity for most of her life.

Centre chairman Fred Chaplin said: “The centre was established in 1925 by Daphne’s mother, Mrs Payne, and Daphne was involved from a very early age in the care of small animals who had been abandoned, lost or injured on the roads.

“After her mother’s death, Daphne carried on caring for animals in need and continued her mother’s work with the help of volunteers and some paid employees.

“Up until the last few weeks of her life, she was still dealing with matters concerning animal welfare, which is so important, especially to those who find it difficult to pay vets’ fees, many of whom are being helped by our centre.”

The animal centre is currently in the process of moving its headquarters from Woodbridge Road, where it has been based for many years, to Cauldwell Hall Road, to the same location as its cattery and clinic.

Mr Chaplin added: “Daphne will be very difficult to replace, but with the help of the staff, volunteers and supporters we intend to carry on the good work.”