Former Staffordshire County and Stafford Borough Councillor Iris Moseley has died at the age of 87.

Miss Moseley, who was the last surviving individual Freeman of the Borough, represented Stafford East Gate on the county council for 24 years and is described by Chairman Terry Dix as an icon of local politics.

She had a career in local government spanning more than 50 years, beginning on Stafford Borough Council in the 1950s as Labour Councillor for the Common Ward, and was elected Mayor in 1964.

A member of many committees and staunch battler for the residents of her ward, she saw the amalgamation with Stafford Rural Council in 1974.

In 1993 Miss Moseley was awarded the MBE for her services and the following year received the honorary Freedom of the Borough. She eventually retired from the Borough Council in 2003.

Miss Moseley, who died on Friday was vice chairman of the county council from 1997 and served on most committees, as well as being a member of both Police and Fire authorities.

Councillor Bill Simpson was a longtime friend and council colleague of Miss Moseley. “I knew her from 1961 on the former Stafford Borough Council and she was the mainstay of that authority,” he said.

“She gave half her life to the community and I believe the community appreciated it. She did a superb job in every role she undertook.”

Councillor Dix said: “Iris was the epitome of what a good councillor should be. She was tenacious but caring and everyone knew where they stood with her.

“I had known her since she joined the authority in 1981 and would say she was an icon of the county council. She was known by everyone and loved by many.

“Iris had a presence about her and that has been missed since her retirement in 2005. I am sure that everyone who knew her will be sad at her passing.”