WINNIE Thorpe, a former mayoress of Swindon, has died at the age of 97.

She served as mayoress from 1955 to 1956 alongside her husband Harold, who was a councillor for East Ward for 32 years.

Her lifelong involvement with the Women's Royal Voluntary Service and Christchurch in Old Town won her many friends in Swindon.

Brian Hillier, 66, of Sunningdale Road, was her nephew and godson and said many people would miss his aunt.

He said: "She was a wonderful lady who just couldn't do enough for you and wanted to help everybody.

"She was a grand lady, I can't put into words how she'll be missed. Everyone loved her so much."

Winnie was an avid bowls player, continuing to enjoy the sport until she was 93 and acting as President of Penhill Bowls Club for 35 years.

As a founding member of Swin-don's Ladies Bowls Club, she helped make the sport accessible to women.

Born in Swindon, she lived in Westmorland Road most of her married life.

But she moved to the Four Season's Residential Home in Rodbourne Cheney three years ago and then her health started to deteriorate.

Harry Bromley, chairman of the Old Town Festival Committee, has been a close family friend for 25 years as his mother used to attend church with Winnie.

He said: "She was a person whose friendship we all valued, a quiet lady who was very caring and thought a lot about others.

"She lived in Swindon all life and was very interested in the things going on around her. She was very gentle but always very active, and she had a mind of her own."

Mike Bawden, leader of the Conservative group on Swindon Council, served as a councillor alongside Winnie's husband Harold.

He said: "Mrs Thorpe was very supportive of her husband in his public duties but she was an amazing lady in her own right.

"She was a charming lady who worked hard to help others."

A memorial service will take place at 11.30am on Thursday at Swindon Crematorium.