ONE of the Redditch's best-loved mayors and a town stalwart has died, aged 79.

Pat Wilson, who served as a councillor in Redditch for more than 30 years, passed away yesterday morning, leaving behind husband Bob.

Mrs Wilson was a councillor from May 1965 until May 1996 and then from March 1997 until May 2003.

She was mayor in 1980/81 and was present at the dedication ceremony for Walter Stranz Square only two weeks ago.

Her daughter, Sarah Sulley, said her mother was a wonderful woman who spent her life caring for other people and working for the town.

She said: "So many years as a councillor is a wonderful thing."

Former Conservative councillor Tom Wareing said he had known the former Tory group leader for 50 years.

"Pat was a remarkable lady in every respect. She was very proud of her family and dearly loved her husband, whom she met when they were both in the Royal Navy," he said.

He described her as a lady with incredible intelligence and sharp wit, adding she was formidable in debate.

"She was a product of Webheath and Redditch County High School, her late father was the manager of the gas works and got an OBE for his work during the war," said Mr Wareing.

"Pat Wilson was Madam Redditch - she was an outstanding public servant who gave a lot over her many years of service. I regret and am sad at the passing of a great lady."

Former Labour councillor Albert Wharrad, who served opposite Mrs Wilson for several decades, said: "She was a champion debater and often couldn't be bettered in council chambers.

''We never fell out over anything but political matters and even when we did have a big difference of opinion, we had the greatest of respect for each other.

''Pat was a truly genuine lass. This town will miss her dreadfully and it owes her a very big debt for everything she did.''