A woman who enjoyed Scottish dancing until she was 81 and only gave up driving at 94 died just three months short of her 103rd birthday.

Margaret Lucas’ remarkable “full and happy life” also saw her spend close to 30 years raising money for the RSPCA in Deal and volunteering at her local library delivering books to housebound pensioners.

Born in Scotland on August 16, 1922, Margaret grew up at Nairnside in Culloden where her parents owned a farm.

After a job at 15 with the Bank of Scotland in Inverness, she volunteered at just 17 to join the WRENS (Women's Royal Naval Service), where she was accepted as a pay clerk.

She was swiftly sent south first to the training centre at Hampstead before moving onto Chelsea where she was promoted to Petty Officer.

At the end of the Second World War Margaret signed on for two years extended service and it was here that her relationship with Kent, and later Deal, would begin.

She was eventually sent to the Royal Marine Barracks in Medway where she met husband-to-be George who had just returned from commando service in Italy.

The pair married in February 1948 - near to their barracks in Chatham - before the couple chose to settle down on the coast in Deal where George was based with the Royal Marines.

Their family included daughter Heather and twin boys Douglas and Glenn - also adding a pet dog and cat into the mix.

Soon after arriving in the town Margaret met an ex army brigadier - Brigadier McIntyre - at a party in the Officers’ Mess and together the pair formed a Scottish dancing group which her family say still flourishes today.

Margaret herself continued dancing until she was aged 81 and remained honourable secretary of the group for a further decade.

In 1973, as a dedicated animal lover, Margaret also offered her services to the RSPCA where she became the local branch secretary.

Her volunteer role, which saw her raise thousands of pounds for the charity over 28 years, earned her a certificate for Meritorious Service in 1994.

Happy to stop and chat “to any passing young or old person” Margaret’s son Douglas says she became very well known during her twice-daily dog walks while herself and her Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog volunteered at the nearby library taking books to housebound pensioners.

It was only at the age of 94 - having never had an accident - did she decide to give up driving.

A proud Scot - who never lost her accent, love of Scottish dancing or affection for her homeland - Margaret, of Park Avenue, Deal, moved into a care home at the age of 99 where she celebrated each birthday in the company of a Scottish piper.

She passed away at Generals Meadow Care Home in St Clare Road on April 19.

She is survived by her son Douglas.