THE much-loved former mayoress of Tunbridge Wells, Pamela Howell, has died after a courageous battle against cancer.

Last year Mrs Howell, 59, lost a leg to the disease before the onset of complications which finally claimed her life.

Married to Cllr Melvyn Howell (Con), she served first as deputy mayoress before joining her husband as the borough's first citizens for the year 2001-2002.

She was held in high regard for her cheerful and enthusiastic approach to mayoral duties, especially when she first became ill.

She refused to be bowed and remained optimistic, despite the pain she endured.

Her predecessor as mayoress of Tunbridge Wells, Diana Morton, from Horsmonden, said: "Pam's death is a tragedy and a sad loss to us all.

"She was a very gracious lady and we were all absolutely filled with admiration for her. She did an enormous amount for the community."

Before becoming mayoress, Mrs Howell was already widely known and respected as a teacher, her forte being education of children with special needs.

Much of her career was spent at St John's School, Tunbridge Wells, but she also taught at many other local schools, among them Brenchley, Southborough and Sherwood Park.

Sherwood Park headteacher Keith Marden said: "Pam was wonderful with children -- that was her strength. She was a natural teacher with a tremendous ability to form relationships with pupils, and the kids adored her. She was also highly regarded by all the staff, and we've been devastated by news of her death."

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council chief executive, Rodney Stone, said: "There was something exceptional and special about Pamela.

"As Mayoress she was very popular with members of staff and showed kindness and thoughtfulness towards them and to members of the public that she came into contact with. She was particularly fond of children and enjoyed her time teaching at St John's Primary School."

Mrs Howell had two daughters, Elizabeth and Diana, and four grandchildren, Hannah, three; James, five; and Daniel and William, both born in January this year.

Poignantly, she died at the Hospice In The Weald, Pembury, on the morning her two youngest grandsons were baptised at Bidborough Parish Church.

Mr Howell said: "My daughters and I were with her when she died. She insisted that she wanted the christening to go ahead, despite knowing she was gravely ill.

"It was typical of her generosity of spirit and would have surprised no one who, like me, were fortunate enough to have known her."

Mrs Howell lived in High Street, Bidborough, and a funeral service, for family and close friends, is due to take place at her local church, followed by cremation, on a date to be fixed.

A memorial service to enable the wider community to pay their respects to Mrs Howell will be arranged in due course.

Meanwhile, donations are invited to Cancer UK and to the Hospice in the Weald , c/o E.R. Hickmott and Son, funeral directors, Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells.