Oldest working woman dies

The oldest working woman in Britain has died aged 102 after briefly being admitted to hospital for the first time in her life. Connie Brown worked six days a week for more than 80 years in the Pembroke chip shop she had opened with her late husband, Sydney.

Tributes poured in to Brown's cafe, in Pembroke, today where the great grandmother worked and was a much-loved local character.

Known by the people she served as The Codmother, she was awarded an MBE in 2006 in recognition of her services to the community.

Cod and chips sold for just one-and-a-half old pence when the shop first opened in 1928 - these days the price is nearer £3.

Mrs Brown was admitted to hospital on Wednesday where she died the following day, a family member said today.

Granddaughter Sandra Bryant, 42, said the chip shop was closed today as the family met together following the unexpected death.

"I haven't been down there today to be honest. The shop is closed at the moment. It's difficult to think about.

"But people have been very kind and we have already received a lot of cards from well-wishers."

She added of her grandmother: "She went into hospital for her last hours and that was the first time she had ever been admitted in her life."

The mayor of Pembroke, Pearl Llewellyn, also paid tribute to Mrs Brown on behalf of the community.

"Mrs Brown was extremely proud of Pembroke and due to her hard work and commitment to the family business for so many years she brought a great deal of welcome publicity to the town," she told the Western Telegraph daily newspaper in nearby Haverfordwest.

"She was a remarkable lady who will be fondly remembered by everyone that knew her and we still fondly remember Connie celebrating her 102nd birthday with a surprise outing around Pembroke on a motorbike," she said.