An 86-year-old great-grandmother-of-27 with a "kind heart and infectious smile" has been given a special guard of honour by staff at her local ASDA.

May Allinson used to go to the Stoke Park-based superstore every Saturday, to do her weekly shop and was well known to staff there. 

She would talk to everyone there and was often accompanied by her daughter Julie Webb.

Her grandaughter Missy Forrest said that her grandmother highlighted how one person can affect the community through her work. 

May Allison passed away at the age of 86.May Allison passed away at the age of 86. (Image: Missy Forrest)

She added: "May was known for her kind heart and infectious smile.

"Everyone who knew her cherished her friendly personality and love for conversation."

Mrs Allison died on June 10, with her funeral held on July 6.

Ahead of the service her hearse drove into the parking lot of ASDA and was given a guard of honour by the workers.

They surrounded her coffin, along with some other customers who stood in the pouring rain in a touching send-off to Mrs Allison.

They even passed a bouquet they had made specially to her hearse.  

"Asda went above and beyond as well as Smith Family Independent Funeral Service," Mrs Forrest added. 

The superstore paid their tributes to her on July 2.The superstore paid their tributes to her on July 2. (Image: Missy Forrest)

Jacqueline Calver, Fresh Replenishment & Production Manager at Asda Stoke Park said: “When we heard about May’s passing, we were truly saddened. May shopped at Asda for many years, and in that time she became friendly with many of the colleagues here in store.

“We were grateful to May’s family for asking us to play a small part in celebrating her life by organising a fitting tribute outside of the store. We will truly miss seeing May every Saturday. Our condolences are with her family and friends.”

The superstore also made an announcement in her honour, and the Smith Family helped coordinate the occasion before carrying on to Seven Hills for the service. 

Mrs Forrest said she was close to her "nanna" who had taken care of her from a very young age and was always there as a pillar of support. 

Mrs Allison had four children, one of whom has passed away, 13 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren.

Her work heavily revolved around taking care of her family and making sure that they were getting the support they needed.

"Her kindness and warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew her," Mrs Forrest added.