TRIBUTES have been paid to a “national hero” whose dedication to baker hearty pies for the vulnerable during the pandemic touched thousands.

Flo Osbourne, 90, who was originally from Harwich but was last living at Rosebank Park, in Dovercourt, died on Sunday but left behind a legacy many would be proud of.

Throughout the numerous lockdowns, which left many of society’s most isolated confined to their homes, the seaside stalwart went above and beyond.

Regularly rising at 4am, she transformed her tiny kitchen into a conveyor belt of hundreds of comforting homemade pies on a daily basis.

Gazette:

The tasty treats were then given to the Essex Support Team, before finding their way into the hands of those within the community who needed them most.

Her efforts turned her into a viral sensation, with a social media post about her endeavours being shared more than 700,000 times.

As a result, she was also praised by footballer and campaigner Marcus Rashford and received a letter of thanks and congratulations from Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Flo was earlier this year awarded the British Empire Medal from the Queen as part of her New Year’s Honours.

Her medal was presented to her in a small ceremony by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Nigel Spender, just two days before the great-great-grandmother died.

Les Nichol, founder of the North Essex Support Team, worked closely with Flo, whose mum taught her to bake at the age of eight.

Paying tribute, he said: “Sadly our beautiful Flo Osborne passed away yesterday – it is such sad news.

“Flo received praise from every nation and I still regularly receive messages from Europe and America asking about her welfare.

“The sight of Flo kissing her British Empire Medal with pride will stay with me for ever – it was wonderful and extremely emotional.

“Goodbye beautiful, brave Flo, you are my hero, you are a true national hero, an inspiration to your family and to people across the world. We love you.”