Former Wolverhampton mayoress Anne Frost dies

A former mayoress fondly known for her love of brightly-coloured tights and cheeky sense of humour has died at the age of 80.

Tributes were today paid to Anne Frost, who served as the Mayoress of Wolverhampton from 1970 to 1971 and passed away peacefully in her sleep on New Year's Eve.

The grandmother was mayoress at the age of 38, when her bachelor brother, Tony Guy, was voted in as mayor.

She was well known for conducting her civic duties in shocking pink or electric blue stockings.

Her husband Paul, also 80, said she had "loved" holding the post, especially as her father – Alderman Guy – had been mayor in 1950.

"She loved getting all dressed up and going to fancy functions," he said.

"It was perfect for her really. She was thrilled when Tony asked her.

"She was always dressed beautifully and had a great sense of humour. I suppose that explains the tights. It was the first thing a lot of people commented on when they met her."

The pair were married for 56 years and they had two children, Michael, 52, and Caroline, 50, and grandson James, 24.

They lived in Ash Dene, Compton, Wolverhampton, while Mr Frost worked at Frost & Sons Ltd galvanizers and Mrs Frost worked as a secretary at the old Royal Hospital, before joining the board of Birmingham-based car dealers B. Billingham Ltd, which her brother ran.

Her latter years were blighted as she was struck down with multiple sclerosis months on leaving the post of mayoress.

As her health became worse, they moved into their holiday home in Wales.

"She was a real lady and a great wife," said Mr Frost.