TRIBUTES have been paid to a community stalwart - awarded an MBE for her services - who died suddenly aged 79.

Joan Coates was admitted to Colchester General Hospital on Wednesday having been taken ill at home and died early on Friday morning.

Mrs Coates, who became an MBE in 2010, was chair of Alresford Parish Council for an incredible 23 years before standing down from the position in 2012.

Since then, she had continued as a councillor, acting as the authority’s transport specialist, and had pledged to represent residents “until they decide they don’t want me any more and stop voting for me”.

Paying tribute to Mrs Coates - who is survived by husband Stuart - council chairman Frank Belgrove said: “She has an incredible record.

“She spent more than 20 years as chair of the council, which is absolutely extraordinary.

“Even after stepping down as chair, she was still a serving councillor and she was very active in the community.

“I doubt there is a single person in the village who hasn’t encountered her at some time or another.”

After being awarded an MBE at Buckingham Palace Mrs Coates, who was first elected in 1985, told the Gazette: “I have always believed if you think things should be done, you should get involved yourself, not criticise from the sidelines.

“I moved to Alresford 50 years ago when I got married to Stuart and it is such a lovely little village.

“As our children grew up, I got involved with all the groups they were part of.

“I was on the school PTA committee, ran the Cubs and ended up on the parish council, which I will be involved with until people decide they don’t want me any more and stop voting for me.”

In 2014, Mrs Coates pioneered the ‘Vegtastic’ scheme which saw community allotment holders who had surplus produce hand over fruit and vegetables to primary school children.

She was also part of a group which decided upon issues relating to the village’s playing field.

Mr Belgrove added: “Her’s was such an unexpected death. The whole community will be reeling.

“I know we all are on the parish council.”

A moment’s silence will be held for Mrs Coates at the next council meeting, next Wednesday, October 5.