FORMER Christchurch mayor and councillor Denise Jones was the guest of honour at a surprise tea party at the Somerford ARC on Wednesday.

Mrs Jones decided not to stand in the recent elections for the new Christchurch Town Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole unitary authority because of her deteriorating health.

She has been fighting multiple sclerosis for almost 40 years and she continued to work hard for Grange ward despite having to fight off three major cancer attacks.

Mrs Jones first stood for Grange for the Christchurch Borough Council in 1999. While she suffered a narrow defeat, she continued to work in the ward, helping people and battling for local causes before being elected in 2007.

Chris Hopkins, chairman of the ARC, said “Denise has been an inspiration. She’s given her all for Grange ward, she’s helped so many people and she’s got many achievements to her credit. We wouldn’t have the ARC without her support.”

On behalf of the residents, Mrs Jones was presented with a specially-commissioned painting of the Priory and a special card, made at the ARC, with signatures from well-wishers. The card was made by Cllr Gill Jarvis, Mrs Jones' successor on the new town council.

Mrs Jones thanked residents for their kind gesture.

She said: “Grange ward and its residents have a special place in my heart and I have made so many friends in the 20 years I have been working here."