Tribute has been paid to Margaret Boulton, the former mayor of Marlborough and key campaigner for Savernake Hospital, who has died aged 88.

Margaret, who acted as the mayor of Marlborough from 2005-2006 and took on many roles during her lifetime, died on February 29, 2024.

During her life she was an active town councillor for Marlborough for several years, a county councillor for Wiltshire and a member of the police authority.

Margaret also played a pivotal part in the town's history when she took on a major role in the building of the new Savernake Hospital in 2005.

The building of the hospital came after a 13-year fight by councillors, health professionals and local campaigners who fought to make sure Marlborough residents could receive adequate hospital care.

Margaret was heavily involved in raising £30,000 to help gain backing for the campaign, and the then mayor of Marlborough Bill Cavill described it as: "A terrific credit to the tenacity of our county councillor, Margaret Boulton, who has spent so much time fighting for this project.

"This is a truly special day for the people of Marlborough and its surrounding area.”

Despite raising five children with her husband Ray, Margaret also faced huge loss in life when her daughter Helen died aged only eight years old.

"She was known as being a force for good and an inspiring communicator dedicated to equality, justice and local community well-being," said her son-in-law Jim Horsley.

"She believed passionately in public accountability and often expressed those views in her letters to the local press.

"She was devoted to her six grandchildren who loved her being their Nana. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends."