TRIBUTES have been made to a popular former Carlisle mayor and long-standing councillor who has died.

Jacquelyne Geddes, 66, who died suddenly on Sunday, has left a legacy in local politics that won't be forgotten.

Friends and former colleagues have spoken of her kindness and dedication to her community and council.

Jacquelyne, who lived for many years in Etterby before moving to Harker Road Ends, was elected to Carlisle City Council in 1993 and served for 22 years.

She was Mayor of Carlisle from 2008-2009. It was a role she stepped into proudly and one that she took over from her friend and colleague Elizabeth Mallinson. The pair became Stanwix ward councillors together in the early 1990s.

"She will be sorely missed by us all. I'm very sad she died so suddenly and so young. I will remember her for the work she did with me and my fellow councillors in Stanwix," said Mrs Mallinson. "She was a very strong woman. She made sure that people that were in need got help and this was absolutely shown through her activities prior to her becoming a councillor."

Jacquelyne organised trips for children affected by radiation following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, arranging host families for them to stay with in the Carlisle area. She also hosted French exchange students who were studying English at Austin Friars.

City council leader Colin Glover was sad to hear of her passing. He said she always had a strong interest in learning and development and making sure councillors had the skills to do the job they had been elected to do.

Former councillor Elsie Martlew added: "Not only was Jacqui a nice person, she was a hard working and conscientious councillor who was a fine advocate for the people she represented."

She leaves her husband Will and sons Jonathan and Richard.