A long-serving and well-respected former councillor and mayor has died as tributes are paid to her years of dedication to public service.

Bronwen McGarrity, who was also a Freeman of the Borough of Gravesham, died on Christmas Day after battling ill-health for several months.

The 86-year-old served at Gravesham council for the Conservatives between 2003 and 2011 in Central Ward and again from 2015 to 2019 for Coldharbour Ward.

In 2019 she was awarded the freedomship and served as mayor in 2009.

Alongside her work as a councillor, Mrs McGarrity supported and worked with a range of groups and charities in Gravesham.

Mrs McGarrity was a maths teacher for many years at the old Southfields School in Singlewell Road.

She was also treasurer at Gravesend Rowing Club and established the Ladies at Lunch Club.

A civic funeral is due to be held for the public to pay their respects and details will be confirmed in due course by the council.

Cllr John Burden, leader of Gravesham council, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of Bronwen’s passing.

“I had the honour of working alongside Bronwen representing the people of Gravesham on the council for many years.

“While we may have sat on opposite sides of the council chamber, I have nothing but respect for the dedication she showed and the time she devoted to the service of the people she represented.

“This was reflected in not only her work as a councillor and in two separate periods of holding the position of Mayor of the Borough, but also in her professional life and her work as a volunteer supporting community groups.

“Bronwen represented all that is good about public service. She will be sadly missed.”

Leader of the Conservative group at Gravesham council, Cllr Jordan Meade, said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Bronwen McGarrity.

“Throughout her years of service to our community Bronwen gained respect for always being ready to take up the fight on behalf of residents and her commitment to the people of Gravesham will be remembered as being second to none.

“I first met Bronwen back in 2009, when she visited my secondary school as Mayor and over the last 12 years, I could not have asked for a better friend and mentor.

“Bronwen’s tireless commitment to public life in Gravesham will be felt for years to come.

“Her passing is a tremendous loss to our community”

Gravesham MP Adam Holloway added: "Bronwen was an extraordinary person who served the people of this borough, her neighbours, her friends, for decades.

“Indeed, it was she that took me in when I first arrived in Gravesham when I had not organised somewhere to live.”