TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known member of the Wyre Forest Conservative Association who has died following a short battle with cancer.

Greta Joan Smith, of Stourport, who stood as a conservative candidate at district council elections in 2011 and 2015, died aged 75 on May 11.

Born on April 19, 1941, she initially started her working life as a carpet picker at factories including Naylors Carpets, Carpet Trades, Woodward Grosvenor, and David Bayliss Carpets.

In her free time she worked as a seamstress, making wedding dresses and occasion dresses for family members and friends, before retraining as a Central Control Operator.

While working for the council, she monitored calls from vulnerable Wyre Forest residents via LifeLines, and later spent her retirement within politics and at home with her family.

Daughter Juliet, a current Blakebrook and Habberley South district and town councillor, said: "Greta was a wonderfully kind-hearted person who would help anyone.

"She will be sorely missed by her husband George, her son George Martin, her daughters Yvonne and Juliet, and her granddaughter Jade."

Wyre Forest District Council leader, Marcus Hart, added: "I am saddened to hear of the loss of Greta.

"She was a stalwart within the local party and will be sadly missed.

"Our thoughts are with Juliet and the family at this time."

A service will be held at Wyre Forest Crematorium and Cemetery on Tuesday, May 31, at 2pm, with attendees welcome to join the family at the Stourport Sports Club, Kingsway, after the funeral.

Flowers – except pink – are welcomed and black clothing is not essential.