WARM tributes have been paid to a businesswoman from Warrington who died at the weekend.

Sandra Brusby was known across the business community in Warrington, especially promoting and championing small companies in the town.

She died at home over the weekend with her husband Trevor and daughter Amanda.

She received an OBE for services to women and business in 2007 and set up Business Ventures to focus on promoting women in business.

John Gartside, former leader of Warrington Borough Council, worked with her on the board of the primary care trust in Warrington.

He said: "She was a lovely person with a delightful optimistic attitude."

And Warrington Borough Council chief executive Steven Broomhead described her as a 'bubbly and effervescent' character who was 'totally committed' to developing business in town.

He added: "She was instrumental in the development of business support in the town for many years and she was especially focused on smaller businesses.

"I remember coming out of Bank Quay Station and seeing her face on a big billboard promoting the development of smaller businesses.

"In many ways, she was Mrs Warrington."

As well as being the former chief executive Business Link Cheshire and Warrington, she was also appointed by Patricia Hewitt, then trade and industry minister, to lead trade missions to India.