Jean Ball was a volunteer for the Warwickshire branch of the Alzheimer's Society, which is based in Wise Street, for many years.

She helped with campaigning and fundraising and was chair of its management committee from 2002 and 2006.

The Radford Semele resident died in April this year aged 75 and thanks to a donation from her estate the branch will be now able to expand its volunteering service.

In recognition of Mrs Ball's efforts the group has decided to rename its newly-refurbished home the Jean Ball Dementia Resource Centre.

Information officer Wendy Harkness said: "We have fond memories of Jean and her easy laughter was missed at the branch office when she retired.

"We are absolutely delighted to receive this donation and, with the agreement of her family and friends, plan to use it to get a lot more volunteers on board to help run more services for people with dementia and their families."

Mrs Ball's four children have donated £1,000 each from their mother's estate to the charity on top of £550 raised in donations at her funeral.

Her son Eddie, 52, from Lillington, said: "We decided that after all the work she had done this was the least we could do.

"I felt so humbled that such a small organisation and its volunteers work so hard in the community."

The centre runs dementia cafes, including one in Kenilworth, and day clubs in Warwick and Southam.

It also has a carers' group in Kenilworth and provides community support to help people with dementia maintain their independence.

All volunteers have to provide references and be Criminal Records Bureau checked, which the branch pays for.

Once it has a strong volunteer base the group hopes to secure funding for a volunteer co-ordinator.

Mrs Ball also helped set up the Netherfield Association at Netherfield House in Lillington.

The charity runs a day centre for people recovering from mental health problems.

Mrs Harkness added: "Jean had such an important role in the branch for so very many years.

"She was very friendly and had a passion for volunteering. She was a delight to know and we wanted to show our gratitude for her dedication and support."

The centre will be officially opened by Warwick and Leamington MP James Plaskitt on November 13.