TRIBUTES have been paid to a "gifted" Borders musician after her death at 82.

Helen Furness, of Walkerburn, died on Tuesday, March 30.

She was the founder and musical director of Tweed Valley Male Voices (TVMV) and was also the organist for the church choir of Innerleithen, Walkerburn and Traquair.

Born in 1938 in Ramsey, the Isle of Man, Mrs Furness had always had a love for music.

Commenting on Mrs Furness's contribution to Peeblesshire, her son Jamie said: “She was a pillar of the community.

“She really put the fun in singing – she had people who were 100 years old singing away.

“She had the ability to make it fun for older people to enjoy singing.”

Members of TVMV wrote on social media that Mrs Furness will be “greatly missed”.

Their post read: “Helen was a gifted musician and always took the initiative and played a pivotal part in so many different lives, communities, groups and activities across the entire country in her lifetime. 

“Her legacy is a truly great one: sharing the joy and beauty of music and bringing much love, happiness and faith to so many.

“Helen, please be assured your spirit lives on in the many lives that were so privileged to have been associated with you.

“Thank you so much, you will be greatly missed.”

Helen is survived by her son Jamie, three daughters – Lavinia, Miriam and Sarah – and five grandchildren (Yasmin, Harriet, Arthur, Phoebe, and Emilia).

A private funeral service will take place on Tuesday, April 13 at the Borders Crematorium, near Melrose.

Although the service will only be attended by family, a webcast will be available to view online.