TRIBUTES have been pouring in this week for retired nurse and former Marlborough town councillor Joan Appleton, who died last week.

Mrs Appleton, 82, was formerly an assistant manager at Coombe End House residential home for the elderly in London Road, Marlborough.

She went on to open her own residential home Sunmar, also in London Road, which has since been renamed Marlborough Lodge.

Mrs Appleton was found dead on her 82nd birthday in the Kennet and Avon Canal at Foxhangers in Devizes, where she had been living in retirement. Police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the tragedy.

Former manager at Coombe End, Jean Duck, this week praised Mrs Appelton's dedication to her work. She said: "She was very caring and efficient and will be remembered with affection by a lot of people."

Former Marlborough mayor Lois Delyle-Turner said she knew Mrs Appleton through her caring work and also during the short time she served as a town councillor. Mrs Delyle-Turner said: "She was a lovely lady who got on with her life."

Mrs Appleton leaves two sons and her grandchildren.