FIREFIGHTERS have urged people to install a smoke alarm in their home after it emerged that an elderly woman who died in a blaze did not have a detector.

Mary Day is believed to have died from smoke inhalation when a fire broke out in the living room of her home in Purley Road, Cirencester.

Following the death of the 84-year-old, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has warned people of the importance of having an alarm.

Senior officer Andy Gillingham said: “After the tragic events in Cirencester, it is a timely reminder of how important it is to have a working smoke alarm in your house.

"We understand there was not a smoke alarm in this lady’s property.

“Everyone should own a working smoke alarm in their property and they should check them too. Check your neighbour, friend or family too.

"If you haven’t got one, go get one today. We will fit them free of charge for those most vulnerable.”

Tributes have been paid to Miss Day, who had no living family but was a familiar face to many in Cirencester.

For four years she had been visiting French restaurant Le Beaujolais, five days a week, for a three-course lunch and became close with the owner, Kiean Glynn.

“We swapped birthday presents and Christmas presents, she even bought my dog Christmas presents,” said Kiean.

“She was lovely – all the guests knew her. She was a mini celebrity in her own right.”

Born and bred in the Cotswolds, it is believed the Cirencester home Miss Day lived in used to belong to her parents, who were both only children, just like her.

Miss Day, who had never married nor had children, returned to Cirencester after a career as a French teacher which included a spell teaching in London.

Kiean said: “When she first came here she had three friends – one in Cirencester, one in Norfolk and one in Exeter.

"She used to have afternoon tea with her Cirencester friend every Thursday until she died two-and-a-half years ago.

“She had been to the funeral of her friend and was so upset, so I said 'come on, give me a hug'. So then it became the norm. She would wait until everyone left and then have her hug every day.”

Despite now and then crossing the road to visit Italian restaurant Piazza Fontana, Le Beaujolais was clearly Miss Day’s favourite place.

“She would either sit in the window seat if we were not busy, to drum up trade for us, or if we were busy she would be happy to sit on the table by the till so she could talk to us,” said Kiean.

“You still expect her to walk through the door and when she doesn’t it's a bit bizarre.”

Miss Day used to visit Le Beaujolais every lunchtime from Tuesday to Saturday, arriving at about 1.30pm and then staying sometimes until 4pm. She would always have three courses, working her way through the set menu.

The last time Kiean saw his friend, the restaurant had prepared her a traditional Christmas turkey dinner, which they cooked for her each year.

“You couldn’t not be fond of her,” added Kiean. “She was really sweet and nice. She was sprightly and on the ball and a very classic, old fashioned lady.”

As well as dining out at Le Beaujolais, Miss Day enjoyed attending services at the Parish Church.

She was a regular customer at Limes salon in the town centre for more than 10 years, visiting every fortnight.

Hairdresser Liz Blackwell, who styled Miss Day’s hair, said she was a sweet and lovely woman.

“She kept herself to herself,” said Liz. “She was a gentle, easy-going lady to have in the salon.”