TRIBUTES have been paid to a Darlington stalwart who was described as an irreplaceable community champion.

Edwina Brown, who was a community activist in Firthmoor, Darlington, for more than three decades, died on Thursday of last week, aged 84.

Councillors and Darlington MP Alan Milburn, as well as ordinary members of the public, have all paid tribute to Mrs Brown, who lived in sheltered housing complex Oban Court, Darlington.

Described as “charismatic” and “kindness itself”, Mrs Brown ran community clubs in Firthmoor for more than 30 years and was involved with Firthmoor Community Association.

She was best known as the secretary of the over-60s club, which held a bingo session every Wednesday at Maidendale House Community Centre.

She was also an instrumental grass-roots Labour party member.

On her 80th birthday, in 2005, the community dedicated a bench to her, which is put outside the centre every day.

Coun Lee Vasey said: “Edwina was a very forceful character but like another great Firthmoor community champion Bill Cook, all she wanted was the best for the area that she lived in.

“She was kindness itself and Firthmoor will mourn the loss of such a lovely lady and community carer.”

Councillor Rodderick Francis said: “She will be sadly missed by so many people in and around Firthmoor.”

Martin Landers, former manager of Maidendale House, said: "Edwina was a real character, a community champion. She will be sadly missed, she was known and respected by everyone on Firthmoor.”

A spokesperson from Firthmoor and District Community Association said: “Edwina was an active member of the community association for many years. She was a valued and passionate member who always had the interests of Firthmoor at heart.”

Mr Milburn said: "I'm very saddened to hear about Edwina's passing. She was a true community champion who always worked tirelessly for local people. She was irreplaceable."

Former community association chairman Dave Preston added: "She was a very powerful lady and had incredible strength of character. You had to admire her even if you didn't get along with her.

"She had amazing sense of purpose and if something needed doing, she stuck at it to make it work.

"She was a lovely person , and very kind-hearted and generous, who would call a spade a spade and didn't suffer fools gladly.

"With her and Bill Cook, Firthmoor has lost two very great characters and I don't think we'll see their like again."

Mrs Brown, formerly Henderson, was married to late husband John. She leaves sons Dennis and Alan.

Her funeral is to be held at Darlington Crematorium at 10.15am on Friday.