A LONG-TIME supporter of Brentwood Theatre has died 18 months short of her 100th birthday.

Peggy Harman passed away just peacefully before Christmas at the Lynde House Care Home in Twickenham, south west London.

As a founding member of the Brentwood Theatre Trust, Mrs Harman spent many years campaigning for the premises to be built in the town.

Tributes have been paid to Mrs Harman who had already booked the Shenfield Road venue for her 100th birthday party.

Theatre administrator Mark Reed said: "In recent years, I can recall her visiting twice, once to present a Brent and about four years ago, to an exhibition in The Audrey Longman Studio which included memories of her Grandfather, the Victorian music hall artist Dan Leno."

On March 23 a gathering will be held at the theatre to look back at Mrs Harman's life and work with the venue.

The service will be held from 3pm to 5pm and anyone who wishes to share words or pictures of Mrs Harman should visit the theatre's production office before March 14.