It is our sad duty today to report on the death of Ivy Bean, who passed away at the age of 104.

Our thoughts go out to those who knew and loved this remarkable lady at what must be a difficult time.

And we would like to add our own tribute to the many already paid by some of the tens of thousands of people whose lives she touched.

We say tens of thousands, for Ivy was no ordinary centenarian, if there can ever be such a thing.

Anyone who reaches such an age – even in a time when people are living longer – could expect some recognition from their local newspaper.

But there was more to Ivy, because she was so switched-on to the modern world and the opportunities it brings to communicate with others.

Ivy was a fan of such internet phenomena as Facebook and Twitter – indeed she may well have been their oldest user – and through them she reached out to people of all ages and backgrounds.

In doing so, she attracted a huge following and became something of an inspiration and even standard-bearer for older people.

But despite all the technology and all the publicity, we must remember that none of this would have happened without Ivy’s warmth and engaging personality – for that is why her fans followed her and that is what we miss today.