ONE half of a couple who founded a garage in Bromyard has passed away.

Lilian Spelman, who along with her late husband Jim, set up Top Garage (Bromyard) in 1966 has peacefully passed away at the age of 96 after a long ordeal with Alzheimer's.

She was born in Cambridgeshire and when the Second World War broke out, Lilian was called up and found herself at RAF Wittering.

She went on to drive all sorts of vehicles and after the war would have loved the chance to be a racing driver.

She literally nearly ran into her future husband while driving a van and coming across Jim, an RAF mechanic, as his legs were protruding from underneath the plane he was repairing.

Lilian and Jim married in Birmingham in September 1942 before Jim left for Burma. She did not see him again until 1947.

Their daughter Jean was born in 1949 and their son Paul in 1952

With the war over, Jim built up a successful accident and repair workshop in Birmingham which was compulsorily purchased by Birmingham Council to make way for what is now Smallbrook Queensway.

Looking to relocate, quite by chance, they came across the triangular site on the Hereford Road where it joins with Panniers Lane not far from Bromyard itself. They bought and developed the site, as well as building a new home alongside, and called it Top Garage (Bromyard).

In 1969 Jim was involved in a accident, nearly losing his life through third degree burns and was in hospital for a long time. Lilian and Paul carried on the business successfully until Jim was well enough to rejoin them.

In their 60s they took up ballroom and Latin dancing, which they continued this until their 80s.

Jim and Lilian were instrumental in helping to bring the first theatre building to Bromyard in the Old Road and went on to contribute to the current Conquest Theatre on its present site.

Top Garage was sold in April 2000 when Jim and Lilian retired. Jim died in 2002 but both Paul and Jean remained living close by and were able to step in when Lilian began showing symptoms of Alzheimer's. In 2015 Lilian moved to Whitegates Care Home.

Jean and Paul said they cannot speak highly enough of the wonderful care and support Lilian received from the staff there and are grateful for all the kindnesses shown to their mum. They also thanked Dr J. Barnes and Dr. I. Tait for their loving care over many years.

Details of funeral arrangements from Emma Bouston Funeral Services on 01885 489900