Colleagues of Merton's Millennium mayor have paid tribute to her commitment to the borough following her death last month.

Joyce Paton dedicated a lot of time to raising money for charities including Victim Support Merton and the Ethnic Minority Centre, and organised a charity cricket match in Mitcham Cricket Green and a bridge tournament.

Ms Paton served the residents of Merton for seven years having been elected in a by-election in June 1995 to represent Durnsford ward, now Wimbledon Park.

Between1995 and 1998 she concentrated on her council work. She was then elected mayor of Merton in 1999 having already served as deputy mayor to Councillor Linda Kirby, when Coun Kirby was mayor between 1998 and 1999. The current mayor, Councillor David Chung, said: "Joyce will be remembered for her commitment to serving the people of Merton as a ward councillor, deputy mayor and mayor of the borough. Indeed, she will go down in history as the borough’s millennium mayor. On behalf of everyone at Merton Council, I’d like to pass on my condolences to her family and friends at this sad time."

Ms Paton died at the age of 80 last month. Her funeral will be held at Kingston Crematorium on Tuesday, July 7 at 1.40pm, followed by a wake at Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park from 2.45pm.

Those wishing to attend are asked to leave a message on 020 8398 6000 or email j_boullin@o2.co.uk.

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