Tributes have poured in for former long-serving Trowbridge councillor Mary Stacey, who died at the age of 80 on Saturday.

Mrs Stacey, who served on Trowbridge Town Council for 20 years between 1987 and 2007 and was also a former chairman of the old West Wiltshire District Council, died at Dorothy House Hospice, at Winsley, near Bradford on Avon, after a third battle with cancer.

One of Mrs Stacey’s last public engagements was at the launch of the new Parkrun running scheme at Southwick Country Park on September 3, where she helped get the event off to a flying start in her role as the chairman of the Friends of Southwick Park. The park itself was largely established thanks to Mrs Stacey’s efforts.

During her time as a councillor Mrs Stacey, who lived in Southwick, was keen to promote Trowbridge’s international twinning links with Germany, Poland and Morocco.

The former headteacher of West Ashton School, who has two children and three grandchildren, also served as Trowbridge town mayor twice and was involved in establishing Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon.

Mrs Stacey, who served as a Liberal Democrat, lost her seat on the district council in 2003 and stood down from the town council in 2007.

Wiltshire councillor Jeff Osborn paid tribute to her work. He said: “She was a very well respected councillor who was known for just getting on with the job. As she gradually withdrew from her political activities she became more involved in Southwick Country Park. She saw its potential to be a natural park which everyone could enjoy. She always pursued matters and did a lot of good for this town. She will be missed by a lot of people.”

Doug Ross, from the Trowbridge Community Area Future group, which Mrs Stacey was involved in, said: “Mary was a genuine, caring person and an excellent leader who has given a huge amount to us. I am proud to be one of her friends and to have worked with her in the community.”

The Southwick Parkrun will hold a minute’s silence at 8.55am tomorrow in memory of Mrs Stacey.