THE funeral was held yesterday of much-loved Bradford on Avon councillor Minna Gillham who died on May 22.

At 83, Mrs Gillham was still an active town councillor, having taken on the role in 1987.

She championed many causes in the town including the continuation of the rail service, youth issues and sport.

Mayor Vicky Landell Mills said: "Her energy, enthusiasm, idealism and the ability to get stuck in has made a tremendous and positive difference to local life."

Mrs Gillham was the mayor of Bradford on Avon in 1993 and 1994 and was also a member of the district council for 12 years before retiring in 2003.

She was born and raised in Cambridge and Ipswich before coming to Bradford in the 1970s.

She always maintained an interest in politics and local affairs, starting her political life with the Young Communists in the 1930s before moving the Liberals and, finally, the Liberal Democrats.

Her funeral was held at Holy Trinity Church and donations can be made to the Epilepsy Society care of CS Bowyers funeral directors.