A POPULAR businesswoman was given a fond farewell at her funeral today.

Blanche Foster, who died aged 87, was the head of the Worcester building supplies firm B Dayus.

She was praised by her son, Keith, as a pioneering businesswoman who held her own in a male-dominated trade.

He also said she was a selfless woman who was loved by her five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Mr Foster previously said: "She was really special. She was the only woman in that business.

"She made the business into one which was equal to any other builders' merchants in Worcester.

"She was working until she was 77.

"If you knew anyone that knew my mother they put her on a pedestal. She was very determined."

Mrs Foster lived in Diglis Road for the last 52 years and passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, December 26.

Her funeral was held at Worcester Crematorium.

B Dayus closed in 1995.