A former Mayoress of Swale, Ann Morris, has died aged 79 following a battle with liver cancer.

Together with husband John, who represents Sheppey Central on Swale Council, the popular pair enjoyed two years as mayor and mayoress from 2006 to 2008.

Cllr Morris, who has fought his own battle with cancer, paid tribute to his wife of 55 years, who died on Sunday at their home in Orchard Way, Eastchurch.

“I came out of hospital in the middle of May and she was caring for me,” he said. “She seemed fine.

“She only ever cared for everyone else. She was loved dearly.”

The couple, who were both born in Stepney, East London, met in their local pub 57 years ago when Ann was a machinist.

They were married two years later at St Anne’s Church, Limehouse.

It was not long before they fell in love with the Island when visiting friends who had caravans here.

They bought one of their own in Eastchurch and relocated permanently in the early 1970s, first to Halfway before settling in Eastchurch after a brief stay in Warden Bay.

Commenting on her time as mayoress, Cllr Morris said: “I cannot think how many engagements we went to over those two years but she was always dressed and ready first.

“She loved it and was loved everywhere she went.

“For a Cockney girl from the East End to become a mayoress, it was absolutely wonderful.”

Family friend of 20 years, Cllr Lesley Ingham, who also represents Sheppey Central, said: “She was a complete bundle of joy and an absolute dynamite who said it as it was.

“It was a privilege to know her.”

Swale council leader Cllr Andrew Bowles added. “She played a great part in supporting John in his years as mayor and was always there on his shoulder organising everything.

“She was one of those absolutely nice people that I have never heard anyone have a bad word for.

“She was ever cheerful, ever friendly, ever smiling.”

Mrs Morris had been diagnosed with liver cancer, having previously beaten bowel cancer.

She leaves husband John, a son and a daughter, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The family thanked everyone for their messages of support and said they were particularly grateful to Cllr Ingham for her help over the past few years.