FELLOW civic members have been paying tribute to the former mayor of Shaftesbury who died suddenly at her home on Monday.

Cllr Pamela Reynolds - described by all that knew her as a larger than life and much-loved local character - was found at her flat by police after anxious friends and neighbours raised the alarm.

The 60-year-old had spent the morning before her death working at her favourite project, the community pool at Barton Hill which she had campaigned to save from closure.

She was twice mayor of the town - first in 2003 and then last year.

Current mayor Cllr Derek Beer says the news of her death has been met with great sadness and with a sense of loss.

He said: "Cllr Reynolds, who served as our mayor on two occasions, was well known as a larger than life character who worked tirelessly for the people of Shaftesbury and the projects close to their heart.

"Her loss will be sadly and deeply felt throughout the town and, no doubt, the district.

"Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.

"A book of condolence is to be opened at the tourist information centre in Bell Street."

Cllr Richard Thomas said: "There is already widespread shock and sadness in the community at the news.

"Pam was larger than life and her death is a tragedy not only for her family but for all those in Shaftesbury she helped and supported.

"Not least her death is a major setback for the scheme she championed and fought for and almost single-handedly saved from almost certain closure - the pool at Barton Hill." He says he will be calling for the pool to be named after her as a tribute.

A private family funeral is being organised but a public thanksgiving service will be held at St Peter's Church on Friday November 30, starting at 3pm.

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