A FORMER mayoress of Poole, described as "a big spark in a little frame", has died at the age of 92.

Peggie Wretham, wife of Poole Town councillor and former mayor Bill Wretham, died peacefully in a residential home.

Brother-in-law Dennis Blackler described her as a "sparky character" who was fiercely independent, but tended to be in the shadow of her ebullient husband.

Margaret and Bill Wretham moved from London to Poole in the late 1940s and took over and ran the Perman School of Dancing at Denby Lodge in Fernside Road.

"The rock and roll generation of Poole learned to dance at her dance studio," said Cllr Brian Leverett, leader of the Borough of Poole.

"I remember going for dancing lessons there in 1957. That's how I first met the Wrethams," he said.

Bill became a Conservative councillor in 1983 and was mayor during the millennium.

A lover of classical music and opera, Peggie was a Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra season ticket holder, sitting in the same seat for concerts every Wednesday.

She helped as a volunteer for the orchestra, putting leaflets into envelopes, and at the age of 80 went to London for a concert by her favourite singer, tenor Jos Carreras.

Involved in charity work, she had also worked for the WRVS and drove a car until she was 86. Hip replacement operations in her 80s slowed her up and made her less mobile.

She died at Delapre House retirement home in Magna Road, with Bill at her side.

"We are going to miss her dreadfully," said brother-in-law Dennis, who had been visiting her along with Bill's brother Harry and wife Doreen.

Her funeral takes place on Monday, July 10 at Poole Crematorium at 10am, with representatives from the council, and some of her favourite music.