Cherwell District councillor Carol Steward died this morning.

Mrs Steward, who was in her 60s, had battled ill health for almost a decade after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in 2004.

Leader of Cherwell District Council Barry Wood said: "Carol was a personal friend to my wife and I as well as a colleague on the council.

“She had a terrific empathy with people from all walks of life and it was that quality that made her contributions so well respected. She will be much missed."

Mother-of-one Mrs Steward was a long standing Bicester Town councillor who was passionate about the environment and had been Chairman of the Environment Committee as well as leading the Bicester in Bloom Working Party for some years.

Bicester Town Mayor Rose Stratford said: "I have known Carol for almost 20 years, as a friend, a fellow school governor and councillor.

"Carol put her heart into everything she did, and she worked tirelessly even when fighting her health problems. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

"We will all miss her bright smile across the council chamber. My heart goes out to her family at this very sad time."