MEMBERS of Redcar and Cleveland Council are mourning the death of South Bank ward councillor Marilyn Bramley.

Mrs Bramley, who died after a short illness, was elected as South Bank ward councillor at a by-election last October.

Council Leader Councillor George Dunning said: "This is absolutely devastating news. Marilyn was a first-class councillor for South Bank, who worked tremendously hard for the area.

"She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and condolences go out to her family and friends at this terribly sad time."

A retired health visitor, the 70-year-old, was a prolific artist and had recently founded an artists' group, based at Nature's World, Middlesbrough.

She leaves two sons, Paul and Martin, daughter-in-law Tracy, Martin's wife, and greatly loved granddaughter Holly.

Mrs Bramley was also the secretary for the Redcar Constituency Labour Party.

Redcar MP Vera Baird said: "I was shocked and bewildered to hear that Marilyn had died.

"It is barely six weeks since she was in my office making us all laugh. Marilyn was a terrific woman. I liked her immensely.

"She had a sharp mind and a very amusing and original wit. She was a considerable historian, a star of the Teesside Steel Archive campaign which I was pleased to launch.

The Council was flying the flag at half mast at Redcar and Cleveland Town Hall at Eston on Wednesday as a mark of respect.