FORMER Wyre Forest District Council tourist information officer Madeline Williams, who played a major role in putting the area on the tourism map, has died, aged 60, after losing her battle against cancer. Madeline Williams.

Mrs Williams, who was born in Kidderminster, joined the newly formed tourism team at the district council in 1988.

She was instrumental in setting up Bewdley and Kidderminster's tourist information centres and in 1989 was appointed tourist information officer.

Under her guidance Bewdley TIC won the English Tourist Board's England for Excellence Regional Awards in 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1995 and in 1991 and 1992 was runner-up in the national competition involving more than 600 TICs.

Mrs Williams, who attended Lea Street Primary School and the former Kidderminster High School for Girls, began her career as a teacher, working in Bristol and London.

She then moved to Wales where she began tourist information work at Fairbourne and Snowdonia National Park.

After her retirement from the district council in 1998 she was involved with the Mamble Craft Centre and conducted guided tours of Bewdley and Stourport.

Former town mayor, retired district councillor and ex-chairman of leisure and tourism Rachel Gittins said: "I worked closely with Madeline during her time with the district council and her professionalism, hard work and high standards helped to engender an improved economy for the residents of Wyre Forest.

"Madeline was both highly respected and well regarded not only by her fellow officers and councillors, but also by the Bewdley community and the local tourism industry."

A celebration of Madeline's life was held at Worcester Crematorium on April 10.

Donations, to be divided between Kemp Hospice and Macmillan Nurses, should be sent to Dave Collins at 7 Aggborough Crescent, Kidderminster.

She leaves a husband Tony, two children and three stepchildren.