A FORMER Mayor of Poole has passed away.

Joyce Lavender, who was Mayor in 2008, died on December 29 at Regency Manor Care Home.

During her time in office as Mayor she carried out in excess of 500 duties.

She organised and conducted a school Walking Bus, was a governor at two schools, and officially reopened Canford Bridge following a £3million refurbishment programme with the then Mayor of Wimborne councillor Robin Cook among other duties.

A service will be held at St Aldhelm's Church in Branksome at 2.45pm on Wednesday (JAN 11).

The family have asked that no flowers be contributed but donations be made to the Alzheimer Society via the Tapper Funeral Service.

Call 01202 673164 or visit tapperfuneralservice.co.uk.

The Echo is working on a full obituary and tribute - if you would like to contribute, contact Caitlin Marsh on 01202 411299.