TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved former mayor of Alcester who passed away suddenly.

Wendy Weatherhead, who was honorary president of Alcester Town Football Club, former captain of the Girl Guides, a town councillor, a keen supporter of Alcester in Bloom and an active member of the Baptist church, died on Friday, August 26 after battling illness.

Following her death, tributes have poured in for the "supportive" and "much-loved" Alcester stalwart, believed to be in her early 80s, who served as town mayor in 2001. 

As a mark of respect, Alcester Town Football Club held a two minute silence before kick-off on Saturday, August 27. 

Alcester in Bloom chairman Maggie Payne said: "She was football crazy- a big Coventry City fan, she loved her holidays in Spain. She was a good supporter of Alcester. The whole town is going to miss her."

Town Councillor and local historian John Bunting said: "She was conscientious, a very nice person. A quiet worker who didn’t make a lot of fuss.

He added that together with Mrs Weatherhead they had started the scheme in 2001-2002 called Advantage Alcester aimed at "getting things done in the town".

Town Councillor Eric Payne, who was town mayor when Mrs Weatherhead was deputy, said: "She was very supportive, we worked well together. She was well-loved in the town. So supportive of many organisations."

Pastor Martin Mills, from Alcester Baptist church, said: "She was a very generous person both with herself and with her time. She was a true Alcesterian – a very practical person.

"Towards the end of her life she battled illness but she never let it get her down."

Posting on Facebook, former town mayor Yvonne Hine said: "She was so community minded and supportive of others.You will be sadly missed. Rest in peace Wendy."

Rachel Newitt said: I lived by Wendy when I was a little girl in Butter Street and she was my guide captain."

Lorna Ajayi added: "Oh no, I knew her for years as she went to Alcester Baptist church. She was lovely and will be sadly missed.

She leaves behind her husband Bob and sons; Tony, Neil and Mike.