TRIBUTES have been paid to community champion and former mayor of Vale Royal Anne Hooker, who died this week at the age of 67.

The widely respected councillor passed away at Leighton Hospital, Crewe, on Sunday morning, a year after failing health forced her to give up her long-held seats on both Sutton Weaver Parish Council and Vale Royal Borough Council.

Clerk of Sutton Weaver Parish Council Bryan Pusey said Anne was instrumental in reforming the parish council in 1992 and was appointed chairman.

“She was very dedicated to trying to make improvements to the village and I know she worked very hard as a borough councillor to improve the welfare of less fortunate people in Vale Royal,” he said.

Fellow parish councillor and friend Clive Davies said: “She did such a lot of good and a lot of unsung work behind the scenes as well.

“She was always lobbying on behalf of the community and a lot of people don’t realise the lengths she went to to help all and sundry.

“She will be sadly missed by an awful lot of people.”

Anne was elected to Vale Royal Borough Council in 1995 and served for 14 years representing the Milton Weaver ward.

She was a member of several committees and raised thousands of pounds for the Neuro Muscular Centre in Winsford, during her mayoral year in 2004.

Former Vale Royal councillor Brian Lloyd, of Frodsham, who served on the authority with Anne for many years, said: “She was a fighter and always spoke her mind.

“She was always talking about the importance of working for the people you represent, and she did just that and always stood up for Sutton Weaver.”

Singing, dancing and musical theatre were other lifelong passions for Anne, who worked for the Inland Revenue for many years.

Anne and her husband Roy, who passed away four years ago, lived in Sutton Weaver for more than 40 years and had no children.

Anne’s sister, Margaret Whitby, who lives in Nantwich, said: “Anne lived a very full, busy and interesting life and I’m sure a lot of people will miss her very much.”

Funeral arrangements have not been finalised but it is expected to take place next week. Contact Northwich funeral directors Lightfoot’s on 01606 42011 for details.