A CARING mother-of-two known for her devotion to the blind has passed away.

Ruth Roberts, 79, a retired secretary, spent the last 40 years working with the visually impaired at Croydon Voluntary Association for the Blind (CVAB).

The former chairman of the charity, based in Wellesley Road, West Croydon, Mrs Roberts was buried on August 4 after dying from renal failure.

Her husband Eric, 84, of Riddlesdown Road, Purley, said: "She did so much for so many people.

"Everyone will miss her. She was a strong-minded person who always had so many ideas.

"Ruth loved helping people."

Mrs Roberts, who passed away on July 24, held dance classes for the visually impaired to help them with their co-ordination.

Mr Roberts said: "When you lose your sight you become disorientated or unbalanced and Ruth would pair those who had lost their sight with people who could see so they could still dance.

"She was interested in helping people who were newly-registered blind and helping them get to grips with their condition."

Director of the CVAB Richard James said: "Ruth was an absolute stalwart of the association.

"She always regarded what we do here as working as a family for our many members, and was dedicated to our aim to provide the very best possible service."