A former mayoress is due to be laid to rest today.

Rita Leggatt, 88, who lived in Barkingside, died on March 14 from a stroke. She had been in ill health for a number of years.

Her husband Arthur, who served two terms as a councillor and was Redbridge’s mayor between 2004 and 2005, said: “She was very supportive in all that I did, even though my council work demanded quite a lot.

“People liked her because she was friendly and was interested in them. I don’t know what I am going to do without her.”

Cllr Keith Prince, leader of Redbridge Council, said: “Rita was a lovely lady, respected by all that knew her. In her year as mayoress, she was incredibly supportive and acted as a real ambassador to the borough.”

Mrs Leggatt’s funeral is at St Mary’s Church, High Road, Ilford. As well as her husband, she leaves behind eldest son Martin, 51, and twins Paul and David, 49.