A PERMANENT memorial is being set up to popular former Bewdley mayor Hilda Peers, who is to have a road named after her.

Her husband of 53 years Ken said he was "totally bowled over" when he learned a new road being built off Richmond Road would be called Hilda Peers Way.

Mrs Peers died of a heart attack in April last year aged 76. She is the only person to have served two consecutive terms as Bewdley mayor - from 1983 until 1985 - and was responsible for setting up three town groups.

Conservative town and district councillor Stephen Clee said she was also "the inspiration" behind the setting up of the Bewdley in Bloom competition.

He added a road being named after her was "a fitting tribute to a very special lady".

Mrs Peers, originally from Liverpool, moved to Bewdley in 1970 and started the Bewdley branch of the Royal British Legion's women's section, Bewdley Ladies' Luncheon Club and the Bewdley Consortium, which brought together various town groups.

Her work twice took her to tea at Buckingham Palace.

She was also chairman of the town's chamber of trade and a member of the Scouts' Council and, through that, became a Friend of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

"She would have been chuffed," said Mr Peers of the road name.

"I am absolutely over the moon. It's permanent - people will walk past and drive past and the name will be there."