TRIBUTES have been pouring in for the "community champion of South Gloucestershire", Sue Gawler, who has died unexpectedly.

Mrs Gawler, 65, was found dead in bed by her husband, South Gloucestershire Cllr Howard Gawler, at their family home in Iron Acton last week.

She was well known and respected in the community for her association with many countryside groups.

Mr Gawler said he had been "overwhelmed" by the support and kind wishes he had received from people, some of whom he "didn't even know".

He said: "She was like a rock to me, always there for support whenever I needed it. I and many others will miss her badly.

"She was a tireless campaigner of all things rural and community based. The amount of tributes I have here speaks volumes of the respect she had."

Mrs Gawler was chairman of the South Gloucestershire branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, an active member of the Women's Institute and a former member of Iron Acton Parish Council.

She was also the chairman of South Gloucestershire's Shopmobility group and an organiser of a popular rural and community touring arts scheme called 'Razzle'.

Shopmobility project manager Sheridan Crew said: "If it was not for Sue there would be no Shopmobility in South Gloucestershire.

"She picked the group up four years ago and has since moved it forward leaps and bounds.

"She was a very warm and caring person, who was always on hand to help. This group will continue but will never be the same without her."

Mrs Gawler was the booking secretary for Rangeworthy Memorial Hall. Chairman of the hall's managing committee, Barry Quinlan, said: "If the committee was the wheel then she was the hub.

"If there was an award for services to the community then she should have received the very top honours."

Northavon MP Steve Webb said: "Sue was a special person who was hugely committed to serving the local community in so many different ways.

"Everywhere you go in our area you find a group that Sue was involved in, and she will be much missed by everyone who knew her."

Jean Capstick, chairman of Thornbury and Yate Liberal Democrats and a close family friend, added: "Sue's contribution to the local community has been huge and she will be desperately missed by so many people in so many different areas of the local community."

Mrs Gawler leaves behind two grown-up children, David and Nikola, and three grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will take place at 2pm on Thursday, December 20 at Iron Acton Church.