TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Wythall parish councillor who devoted her life to the village.

Kay Elliott, who died on December 18 aged 94, lived most of her adult life in Wythall and gave countless hours to the community.

Close friend and neighbour Jill Dawson said Mrs Elliot's popularity was reflected in the large turnout at her funeral on Thursday at the Unitarian Church in Packhorse Lane.

Originally from Yorkshire, Mrs Elliott moved to the Midlands with husband Tom and set up home in Station Road, where she brought up her children, Diana and Jon.

She was elected to Wythall Parish Council in the 1970s, becoming chairman in the early 1980s and also serving as a Bromsgrove councillor from 1974-1978.

During her time, Mrs Elliott fought hard to prevent Wythall being brought under Birmingham City Council control.

She was also a committed Women's Voluntary Service member, where she organised meals on wheels, and as chairman of Wythall Health Trust, she ploughed her efforts into organising fund-raising events to buy medical equipment for the May Lane doctors' surgery.

As well as serving as president of the ratepayers' and residents' association, she was a governor of Woodrush High School and Shawhurst Primary School and worked at Meadow Green School as school manager.

She was a founder member of the Royal British Legion's women's section as well as Wythall Flower Club.

Mrs Dawson said: "Kay was a gregarious lady who loved being around people.

"She was great company and had a wonderful sense of humour.

"She did so much for the village and has left her unique stamp on a community she was totally devoted to."

Mrs Elliott is survived by her two children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.