FORMER MP David Mowat has joined members of Warrington's Conservative group in paying tribute to Sheila Woodyatt.

Lymm South borough councillor Sheila, who was the town's joint longest-serving councillor, sadly died on Saturday, aged 80.

The town's Conservative leader was elected to the council in May 1983 and served as mayor in 2000-2001.

Fellow Lymm South borough councillor Kath Buckley said: "Sheila was an exacting, strong-minded person.

"You knew exactly where you stood with her, which is refreshing in this day and age.

"As a colleague and mentor you could not ask for a more knowledgeable person on Lymm, Warrington and the area in general, on all issues.

"If you needed advice she was the go-to person.

"What people might not know is that without any fuss she often solved issues for you while you were still at the concerned stage.

"A chair of many committees and Mayor of Warrington, she was well respected by all politicians no matter their persuasion.

"As a colleague I will miss her, as a friend and mentor she will be irreplaceable."

Former Warrington South MP Mr Mowat recalled an early visit to Lymm with Sheila, on which the pair passed around 100 people in the street, with 'at least three quarters of them knowing Sheila by name and vice versa'.

He added: "I often used to listen in to council meetings and was always struck by how articulate, concise and knowledgeable her speeches were.

"At the time she was responsible for Warrington schools which was an area of real passion for her.

"She was a terrific councillor and wonderful lady.

"We will all miss her."

Messages of condolence and support have flooded into the Conservative office in Latchford this week, along with many comments on social media.

Stephen Taylor, deputy chair of Warrington South Conservatives, added: "We would like to thank everyone for their kind and sincere messages.

"Our thoughts are with Sheila's family, particularly following the relatively recent loss of Sheila's husband Neville."

The funeral will be held at noon on February 2 at St Peter's Church in Lymm.

A service at Altrincham Crematorium will follow at 1.30pm.

The family have asked for family flowers only, with any donations being made to St Peter's Church.

They have also asked that anyone attending should not feel they should wear black, but rather come in bright clothes.