COLLEAGUES have paid tribute to a former council chairwoman who died in her sleep yesterday.

Councillor Belle Bousfield, 75, was chairwoman of the housing services committee at Wear Valley District Council, where she represented the Wheatbottom and Helmington Row ward.

She was originally from Birtley, where her late husband, Alf, was a senior manager at the Royal Ordnance Factory.

After moving to Helmington Row, she ran the village post office. She enjoyed keep- fit and was a member of the Labour Party for more than 50 years.

She was elected to the council in 1983, serving until 1991 and rejoining in 1995. During her year as chairwoman, from 1997, she raised £10,000 for a cancer unit dedicated to her husband, who had died in August 1996, soon after their 40th wedding anniversary.

Council leader Olive Brown said, "Belle was a wonderful and dedicated councillor - the council was her whole life - she was on duty 24 hours a day.

"The people of Wheatbottom and Helmington Row have lost a good servant who will be difficult to replace.

"On a more personal note, Belle was my best friend and I loved her to bits. I will be lost without her and I will miss her very much."

Chief executive Iain Phillips said: "Mrs Bousfield was a wonderful character who served local government in many ways, over many years and always with great energy and determination.

"Her passing is a serious loss to the council and the people of the district.

"Belle had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances among staff and she will be greatly missed."

Housing director Michael Laing, said: "Belle was dedicated to the council's housing customers. She campaigned ceaselessly for them. She was a very active chair and was respected by customers and staff."

Mrs Bousfield leaves a daughter, Ann Sheridan.