Tributes following death of Hexham councillor who 'always had a smile on her face'

Tributes have been paid to a Northumberland councillor following her death.

Hexham Town Council announced on Saturday afternoon that Coun Denise Bell, of Hexham East and the Priestpopple Ward, had died suddenly. Mrs Bell was elected to Hexham Town Council in May 2017 and represented the Conservative party.

The council posted a statement on its website and social media channels, which read: "Hexham Town Council is very sad to hear of the sudden passing of our friend and colleague Councillor Denise Bell. We pass on our sincerest thoughts to her family and friends at this time."

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Trevor Cessford, Hexham Town councillor and county councillor for Hexham Central with Acomb Division, said: "When I heard the news off one of Denise's closest friends I was absolutely gutted. I've known Denise for just over 12 years.

"She always had a smile on her face and I've had lots of laughs with her throughout. We both worked together on various council committees and I always valued her input into any discussions that we had.

"Denise was taken far too young and will be greatly missed by her friends and colleagues and indeed anyone who knew her. Denise was a dedicated family person who would often talk about her children and grandchildren in glowing terms."

Derek Kennedy, Mayor of Hexham, remembered Denise as very elegant, well dressed, and a "really charming lady". He said: "The news has come as a bit of a shock.

"It's all very sad and we're very shocked by it all."