The community came together yesterday to remember the life of a "well-loved" taxi driver from Kidderminster. 

The funeral of Vivien Bennett-Preece, who was one of the town's first female hackney carriage drivers, was held at Wyre Forest Crematorium at 3.30pm on January 30. 

Friends, family and neighbours came dressed in bright colours to pay their respects to the popular community figure with a floral tribute on display from the family. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Vivien Bennett-Preece died suddenly but peacefully on January 5 Vivien Bennett-Preece died suddenly but peacefully on January 5 (Image: Carol Pountney)

Her daughter, Carol Pountney, aged 61, from Knightwick, said: "It was really lovely to see old friends, family and colleagues come together to remember my mum. 

"She was well-loved in the community and it was lovely to hear so many different stories about her. It was a great atmosphere at the Waggon and Horses too with lots of memories shared and smiles. 

"My mum would have been so pleased and I hope we've done her proud.  Thank you to everyone who came and for honouring her wishes by wearing bright colours." 

Vivien Bennett-Preece, who was born in Stourport in 1944 to Gilbert and Doris Bennett, died peacefully at home in Bewdley on January 5 aged 79 years. 

A well-known taxi driver in the local area for more than 40 years, Vivien was one of the first women to get a hackney carriage licence in the 1970s when she started working for the family business, Bennett's Taxis, on Leswell Lane. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Vivien was a much-loved family woman Vivien was a much-loved family woman (Image: Carol Pountney)

Having enjoyed a successful career at Bennett's Taxis, she later joined Regency Taxis in the 1990s before retiring in 2011. 

Ms Pountney said: "The business was a real family affair and involved her mum Doris, her dad Gilbert and her brother Arty. She loved being part of the community and always having someone to chat with when she was driving. 

"Kidderminster was a thriving place back then and I always remember my mum saying how she'd pick someone up one week and see them again the next week. Each time she'd get to know that person a bit more so it was a really rewarding job and she was well thought of in the community." 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Vivien was one of the first female hackney carriage drivers in the town Vivien was one of the first female hackney carriage drivers in the town (Image: Carol Pountney)

As well as enjoying a long career as a taxi driver, Vivien also enjoyed spending time with her family which included her three children, Carol, Chris and Michael, four grandchildren and one great-grandson. 

She was also happily married to Ron Preece for 17 years before he passed away in May last year and loved dogs, decorating the house at Christmas time and holidays in Cornwall. 

Ms Pountney, who is a foster carer, added: "I have very fond memories of my mum, she was a lot of fun and my brothers and I have had a few giggles over old photos recently and reminiscing about the times we spent together. 

"She adored her grandchildren and great-grandson and we are going to miss her greatly."