THE family of a woman who was a "mum" to more than 50 people and a friend to hundreds more has started a charity crusade in her memory.

Sylvia Hubbard, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, died in June just two weeks after she was diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas and liver.

A straight-talking Cockney, who was eighth in line to be a Pearly Queen, she moved to Newton Aycliffe in the 1960s.

She and husband Derrick, who originates from Scotland, had met when they were both evacuated to Sunderland during the Second World War as children.

The couple have three children of their own and fostered 51 children, many of whom still live near the town and think of her as "mum".

She was also well known in the community, particularly through the Southerne Social Club.

She supported club activities along with her husband, who was a committee member for 15 years including a spell as chairman.

After her death, Mr Hubbard and his family decided to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in her memory.

He said: "I've always been a busy person, most recently I was a full time carer for Sylvia who developed MS (multiple sclerosis) after a stroke in 2000.

"So I wanted something positive to focus on and fill my time and we all want to raise money for charity that helps families like ours and so many more."

On Saturday, what would have been Mrs Hubbard's 64th birthday, the family will host a charity night at the Southerne Social Club, on Hawkshead Place.

Mr Hubbard has arranged entertainment from five singers, quick bingo, raffles and charity T-shirts to raise money for Macmillan Nurses.

Interest in the 300 tickets was so high that the family are already planning further fundraising events in aid of district nurses and other cancer charities.

He said: "Within a day-and-a-half of planning the event I had 180 names of people who wanted to be involved.

"Lots of people knew and loved Sylvia, she was a strong character and people want to remember her.

"This is my tribute to my missus, we were married 46 years and we hoped to make it to 50. She was taken from us 30 years early so we have to keep her name alive with this charity effort."