Readers have been quick to share their memories of well-respected and successful local musical singer, talented actress and director Elizabeth Simpson, who died last month aged 82.

Whitehaven-born Elizabeth, was born into a musical family and, in addition to her acting and singing accomplishments was a retired infant school teacher.

She first made her stage debut for the Whitehaven & District Amateur Operatic Society aged 16 in the 1955 production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘The Mikado’ and from then on was a life-long member of the society, performing on stage in musicals and plays, and directing many productions until 2014, when she became the society's president – earning a 60-years medal from the National Operatic & Dramatic Association. She also appeared on stage and directed for a number of other groups around the county including the Whitehaven Theatre Group.

Elizabeth had a beautiful soprano voice, with consistent wins over the years in music festivals throughout the North West.

She was also a singing teacher and ran a very successful youth choir – Voices of Youth.

Above all Elizabeth loved her life with her family and this included her cats - never being without one throughout her life.

Helen Wallace said: "Lovely memories of Liz from when I was a child."

Sharon Burns said: "Lovely lady, one of my teachers from Lowca School."

Rose Morgan added: "Lovely lady."

Pauline Lowrey said: "Lovely lady, condolences to the family."

Leanne Sloan said: "Such a lovely lady do anything for anyone, missed by all."

Karen Shankland said: "Lots of memories of this lovely lady singing with my dad Allan Wise over the years."

Dorothy Shepherd said: "We were both in WCGS Choir in its heyday. So sad."

Natalie Bell added: "My old singing teacher love to all the family."

Chloe Sommerville said: "Such a lovely woman, rest in peace."

Ellie Jade, Suzanne Temple and Susan Ann Nichols all posted a heart.