CANOEISTS paid tribute to a stalwart of their sport at the weekend’s Tyne Tour.

The annual event, which attracted no fewer than 600 paddlers from across the country to Hexham’s Tyne Green, is a long-established meeting on the national canoeing calendar.

That’s largely due to the work of the late Lorraine Murray-Glendenning, who died aged 50 in August, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour two months earlier.

Supported by volunteers, including her husband David, and daughters Anna-Louise and Chloe, Lorraine was instrumental in the organisation of the event from 2005, having initially got involved three years earlier. “Everyone had a fantastic weekend, and Lorraine would have been chuffed,” David said.

“She even played a big role this year, sorting everything from security and ticket sales, to t-shirts.”

There was a special presentation, with members of Hexham Canoe Club picking up a special award on behalf of Lorraine – the North-East region of British Canoeing’s volunteer of the year award. It was collected by the club’s young kayakers, Ryan Dodd, Cameron Daly, and Edward Dando.

For full event coverage, pick up your Hexham Courant on Thursday.