Braintree's first woman taxi driver has died.

Hardworking Thelma Crysell was well known in town not only for her driving but because she had 12 children and fostered another eight.

She was pictured in the Times in the early 1960s with her brood and husband Barry.

Thelma, who died last on August 13, aged 86, leaves her children, 28 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Her funeral will be held at Three Counties Crematorium on September 8.

*See this week's Times for full tribute.