FRIENDS have paid tribute to Vera Currey, a woman who spent the majority of her life in the Wee County.

Vera was born on July 31, 1919 and worked in the forces during World War 2 with her soon-to-be husband John Currey.

Leaving Edinburgh for the Wee County, they settled in Clackmannan in 1953 and transformed a rubbish-strewn plot at the top of High Street into a garden sanctuary.

Vera passed away last Christmas just months after her 101st birthday, but have been remembered by friends over the past few months.

Neighbours described her "doggedness" in becoming a centenarian and she loved walking around the local area with a dog by her side.

Dick Clark, a friend of Vera and John, described Vera as the "epitome of an old-fashioned country lady", adding she was always with a smile and a happy wave.

Determined to walk each day in the fresh air, Vera initially walked Scotland's mountains and along the Isle of Colonsay's beach-clad shorelines.

In her later years she spent her time nearer to home and around the Clackmannan tower before her time at Sauchie Community Hospital and in Parklands Care Home.

Vera's longevity was energised by a number of activities, including gardening, oil painting, pottery and her circle of yoga friends.

Undoubtedly, the unsung heroes and heroines of Vera's life were her neighbours, friends and relatives.