A "MUCH LOVED" charity volunteer will be remembered for "her bright character and charm".

Salisbury Salvation Army has paid tribute to Mary Waddington, who worked in the shop on Salt Lane for more than 15 years.

The charity says Mary, who recently passed away, helped build up the shop's custom with her knowledge and retail skills, first gained from her experience manning a market stall.

Volunteers added that Mary helped the store transform from a small enterprise to a much larger and established shopping experience, complete with returning and loyal clientele.

Following the enforced break for retail businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mary retired from her duties at the Salvation Army so she could spend more time with her husband.

Despite this, she still helped out in the shop when other volunteers were unavailable - pictured above during one of her last shifts at the end of November, 2021.

Captain Martin Davison, leader of Salisbury Salvation Army, said Mary will be remembered by customers for "her bright character and charm that made her a much loved figure".

"So many customers have reminisced about Mary since the sad news of her passing became known," he said.

"Even following her retirement she kept in touch and was interested in everything going on at The Salvation Army and our fellowship."

Captain Davison added: "The Salvation Army is very much a community based church and people like Mary, who are good conversationalists and able to put people at ease, are so valuable and appreciated.

"Folk come into our shop to see their friends and getting a bargain is almost secondary to the experience of being recognised and valued as a person, something which Mary and our other volunteers do so well."

Customers who would like to pass on their condolences to Mary's family are invited to visit the shop over the next few weeks.

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