Politicians from all parties have paid tribute to former Carlisle city councillor Olwyn Luckley.

Tributes were paid inside the Civic Centre council chamber last night as members of Carlisle City Council gathered for the first time since the death of Liberal Democrat Mrs Luckley.

She died on December 19 in the Eden Valley Hospice. Mrs Luckley, 75, had been a city councillor for the Castle ward between 2005 and 2014.

She had also been involved in a number of other organisations in the city over the years including the Samaritans, Cumbria Gateway, the health service and the Lowther Street Congregational Church, where she was secretary.

John Mallinson, leader of the Conservative group on the city council, said: "Her funeral was evidence, if any was needed, of her popularity and the warmth that was felt to her across quite a spectrum of the Carlisle population.

"She was a long serving member of this authority and I had the pleasure and honour to serve with her on the executive. She had the best interests of the people of Carlisle at heart, particularly those less fortunate than ourselves."

Councillor Trevor Allison (Lib, Dalston) remembered times that they had canvassed together, adding that Mrs Luckley was never "barracked" when she spoke in the council chamber.

"They all respected her," he said. "She knew what she was talking about.

"Olwyn was an extraordinary woman and will be sadly missed."

The council's current Labour leader Colin Glover said it had been a privilege to work alongside Mrs Luckley, who he said carried out her duties "diligently".

"It was quite a shock when we heard of the passing of Olwyn," he said.

"She had remained active in the community, even after leaving the council, particularly the church and other things. There will be others who will also miss her contribution."

Former council leader Mike Mitchelson, a Conservative councillor for Brampton, added: "She was a lady who put people before politics."

Independent Botcherby councillor Jack Paton also paid tribute to Mrs Luckley, revealing that he has adopted her elderly cat following her death.

Mrs Luckley's funeral was held on December 29 at Lowther Street Congregational Church.

She leaves her three children - Jane, Matthew and Victoria.

Her family requested that any donations be sent to Cumbria Gateway via Ken Patton Funeral Directors, Warwick Road, Carlisle.