TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Test Valley mayor who “was one of Romsey’s great characters”.

Doris Bunting passed away on January 7 aged 96, but her friends and former colleagues say her memory will live on.

A Romsey Extra councillor for more than two decades, Doris was a well-known and much-liked member of the area.

In 1973, she was one of the inaugural members of Test Valley ‘District’ Council, and was one of the inaugural members.

Doris was later part of the transition into the Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), after the Test Valley was granted borough status by Royal Charter in 1976.

Then, in 1987, Doris was elected to become Mayor of TVBC – a position she held with great esteem for her year in office.

She retired in 1995 after holding her seat for more than 20 years.

Friend and former colleague Cllr Roy Perry praised Doris for her work in Romsey Extra.

“Doris was one of Romsey’s great characters,” said the Hampshire County Council leader.

“There were few organisations in Romsey Extra she did not belong to.

“She was a great source of support and advice to me in my time on TVBC and she will be greatly missed; the passing of an era.”

Elected at a time when car ownership was unusual, stories have been told when Doris would canvas the entire parish on foot, covering many miles in the more rural parts it.

MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes, added: “Doris Bunting was an incredible person, hardworking and committed to the people and organisations of Romsey and especially Romsey Extra.

“Throughout her long life she worked with organisations and charities which aimed to make people’s lives better, as can be seen by her decades of service to Romsey Good Neighbours, among many others.

“As a borough and parish councillor for Romsey Extra she was determined to always put the historic parish first. She clearly enjoyed her time meeting many residents and groups throughout the borough. She was always happy to impart her wisdom and experience, and was more than capable of teaching a few handy tricks.

“Above all else she will be sorely missed by those of us who knew and loved her, perhaps especially for the sometimes very naughty glint in her eye and her sense of mischief.”

Leader of TVBC, Cllr Ian Carr, also paid tribute: “Cllr Bunting made a commendable contribution to the borough during her time in office. On behalf of the council I send our deepest condolences to her family and friends.”