BROMYARD people are mourning the loss of two of the town's most highly regarded women - Daphne Davies and Lyla James - after both died last Sunday.

One of three children born to the family of Hartwright at the Rose & Lion on New Road, Daphne Davies' tireless work for the local community became an inspiration to all.

As well as working as a physiotherapist at Bromyard Community Hospital, she was a founder member of Bromyard Historical Society, town councillor for 30 years, magistrate and chairman of Bromyard in Bloom.

Along with husband Dick, Daphne was instrumental in obtaining £92,000 from the Heritage Lottery for the History Society's new building in Sherford Street. As a member of the society, she was also responsible for creating an annual exhibition of local history at Bromyard Gala and was well known for her ability to recall reams of historical information about the town.

History Society member Daphne Everett said: "She knew the people from years back. Her knowledge was fantastic. She will be greatly missed."

Mayor Joan Dauncey said Daphne was the inspiration for her becoming a councillor.

"She has been a constant source of information for councillors," she said. "She was always very happy to help and if I needed advice I would always turn to her. She was straightforward and would tell you just how it was. She was a wonderful lady and there's going to be a big hole there without her."

Daphne's three children and other family members attended a private funeral service. A memorial service at St Peter's Church is to be announced in due course.

The funeral of Mrs Lyla James, wife of retired builder Jack, who for many years ran a grocer's shop on the corner of Cruxwell Street and High Street, is to be held at 2.40pm today (Friday).

Bromyard Town Council will be holding a minutes silence at its meeting on Monday for both Daphne Davies and former councillor Dennis Priddey, who died at his home in Wales on September 30.

Mayor Joan Dauncey said: "He was always the person that stood up for the underdog. He had an extremely good sense of humour. It was very dry but he always gave us a smile. He was a very nice man. When he moved away we missed him."