Two former councillors who died within a day of each other are being remembered for their work in the community.

Former Conservative councillors Ron Wilson and Honorary Alderman Jan Jones passed away last week.

Described as stalwarts of the community, the councillors represented Merton Council for more than 25 years between them.

Leader of Merton Conservatives, Councillor Oonagh Moulton, said: "I was so saddened to hear of their deaths. They both made an enormous contribution to our borough, and particularly to Lower Morden, which they represented diligently."

Mr Wilson served as councillor from 2004 to 2010 and worked on a number of committees. He also stood up for the interests of elderly residents as Older People’s Champion.

Mr Wilson died on Thursday, October 16 and is survived by his wife, Joyce.

Coun Moulton said: "Ron was a great community ambassador who always had time to stop and chat to residents he met on the street."

Mrs Jones served as a Conservative councillor in Lower Morden for two decades, from 1982 to 2002. She was also mayoress from 1988 to 1989.

She took a strong interest in social services and was involved in implementing recommendations from the Macpherson Report, following the Stephen Lawrence enquiry.

She stepped down in 2002 when she emigrated to Australia to be closer to her family.

She died in Australia on Wednesday, October 15 and is survived by her husband, Allan Jones, who had also been a Merton councillor, as well as the mayor, and is an honorary alderman and freeman of the borough.

Coun Moulton said: "Jan’s legacy still lives on in the Conservative group today.

"Because Jan passed away in Australia, a fundraising event in her honour is planned for the near future in Merton to support a local cancer charity. This is a lovely idea and I hope that many people will support it."

Did you know Ron Wilson or Jan Jones? Leave a tribute below, or email louisa.clarence@london.newsquest.co.uk