Tributes following death of Councillor Julia Cherrett

Councillor Cherrett, 61, had represented the Bishopsgarth and Elm Tree ward on Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council since being elected 2005.

She served on a number of council and partner committees, including Executive Scrutiny Committee, the Fire Authority and Stockton Home Safety Association.

She also served as chair and vice chair of the Housing and Community Safety Select Committee.

Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Councillor Bob Cook said: "I'd known Julia for a number of years through her work at Shopmobility when I was on the board there.

"She was very well-known for her dedication to Fairtrade and her charity work.

"Julia was a very passionate and hard-working ward councillor and cared deeply about the people she represented. She will be missed by the residents of Bishopsgarth and Elm Tree, and our condolences go to her family and friends at this sad time."