THE first ever woman to

hold the title of High Sheriff of Hereford and Worcester has died.

The contribution of Lady Cotterell, who held the post in 1992, to the life of the two counties ranged from a quarter of a century of delivering meals on wheels to performing the ceremonial duties that went with the ancient post.

Many causes can be grateful for Alexandra Cotterell's benevolence and time.

Husband Sir John Cotterell said she would almost certainly have thrown herself into raising awareness of the cancer that claimed her had she been well enough to do so.

Lady Cotterell's death on Wednesday morning ended her long struggle with the illness, which was diagnosed last summer.

Over recent months she had often been too ill to go far from the family estate in Byford, Herefordshire.

But on Tuesday, Sir John and Lady Cotterell took a drive together around Bredwardine and Bridge Sollars - a change of scene that seemed to "perk her up".

However, another bout of pain followed and worsened and Lady Cotterell passed away, with Sir John at her side, just hours later.

She was 65.

They had been married

for 46 years and were due

to celebrate that anniversary today.

She was, said Sir John, a "wonderful wife".

Lady Cotterell's time in Herefordshire can be defined by her contribution to charities, some high-profile such as the Cathedral Perpetual Trust, others she kept low-key like the 25 years she spent delivering meals on wheels.

Lady Cotterell is survived by Sir John, four children, eight grandchildren and one step grandchild.

Details of her funeral and memorial service had not been finalised at the time of going to press.