Pat Doyle, who was 75, died on Saturday after battling against ill health for several years.

Her husband John said: “She was a very calm, concentrated person. She was able to concentrate enormously. She didn’t panic.

“The regret is that all her knowledge and experience has been lost not just to me and her family, but to the community.”

Born in Cheam, Surrey, in 1933, Mrs Doyle moved to Driffield back in 1982.

She had trained as a biologist and worked as a lecturer at the East Riding College. She was also heavily involved with the town’s U3A group and served as a governor of both Driffield School and Driffield CE Infant School. She was also a keen gardener and needleworker and enjoyed travelling abroad.

Having previously served as a councillor in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, she joined the Driffield Town Council in 1983.

She was a member of the authority for 17 years and served two spells as Mayor of the town in 1988-89 and 1994-95.

And current councillors, including former colleagues, also paid tribute to Mrs Doyle at the town council’s latest meeting on Tuesday evening.

The present Mayor, Coun Tony Cooper, said: "I have to report the death of Pat Doyle who has unfortunately passed away. I think we have got to express our condolences at this council meeting.

“She served many, many years on the Town Council and it's a very sad loss to the Town Council. She was a very dedicated woman who served the town to the utmost and served as Mayor of the town as well."

Coun Jean Cousins, who served as deputy when Mrs Doyle was Mayor, added: "She was to give me some good tips. She was always a lovely person."

A funeral service for Mrs Doyle will take place at Octon Crematorium on Tuesday, October 14, at 1pm.

Flowers are welcome and donations may also be made in aid of the Macmillan Nurses.