TRIBUTES have been paid to a shopkeeper described as a ‘local legend’.

Mary Carter, who started helping out at a family shop in Askam when she was just three, has died aged 93.

She was seen as a community stalwart running her L’ile Superstore in Sharp Street.

She sold food, sweets and buckets and spades from her family shop.

Mrs Carter died peacefully in the care of Cartmel Grange Nursing Home.

A funeral service was held for her yesterday at St. Peter's Church.

Her nephew Jeff Gaskell paid tribute to her.

He said: “Aunty Mary was an integral part of Askam and was very proud to be able to provide just about anything anyone could want.

“She finally decided to retire just over a year ago and donated all her stock to various charities and good causes.

“Mary had a sharp mind and sometimes a sharp tongue but was respected and loved and will be greatly missed.”

Councillor Ben Shirley remembered visiting her shop regularly when lived in Sharp Street.

He said: “My wife and I were both really sad to hear that she passed away.

“She is indeed a local legend.

“And like lots of local families, I can remember going into her shop as a kid.

“It was the original one-stop shop. But more importantly than that Mary was a proper community person. And if ever we went on holiday or anything like that, she would always look out for your house and report back.”