TRIBUTES have been paid to much-loved former Witney mayor Chrissie Curry who has died aged 66 after a short battle with cancer.

Ms Curry served as mayor for two terms from 2006 to 2008 and was a town councillor until her death.

She served on every town council committee and helped to plan the BMX bike park which will become part of the Witney West housing development.

She was a key member of the council team planning the new Leys Splash Park, and for many years helped organise the Christmas lights switch-on.

She also acted as patron of the Witney-based Abdabs youth and community theatre group.

Ms Curry’s partner David Harvey, 63, who owns WR Harvey Antiques in Corn Street, said there were condolence cards coming through his letterbox “every minute” for Ms Curry who was “loved by all” in Witney.

Following her death last Wednesday he said: “She loved nothing more than doing something for the people of Witney, whether it be hand-stitching the costume for the Winter Princess at the Christmas lights switch-on, or campaigning for a BMX park at North Witney.

“I went into the pub last night and I was surrounded by a whole host of people who were just standing around in tears.

He added: “She would always stand up for what she felt was right. She was the most decent, honest and hardworking of people.”

A statement on the Abdabs website where Ms Curry helped out for many years, read: “Chrissie was a fantastic Witney mayor and she was a great believer and supporter in all Abdabs stands for.

“Her generosity and kindness knew no bounds. Chrissie we will always have such fond memories of you, we will miss you.”

Mr Harvey described how he first met Ms Curry in London in 1994 21 years ago when she came into his antiques store in Bond Street and he offered her a glass of Champagne.

He said: “I was just about to shut the shop when I saw this gorgeous woman standing outside. We looked into each other eyes and it was love at first sight.”

Ms Curry was born in 1948 in St George’s Hospital, London, near the pub her parents ran in central London. She became a personal assistant and human resources officer.

She had a passion for drama and appeared in many amateur performances, once taking the stage at the Hackney Empire.

In her early forties she contracted the debilitating illness ME (chronic fatigue syndrome) which she refused to allow to dominate her life.

She met Mr Harvey in 1995 and in In 1996 the couple relocated their Antiques Business to Witney.

Miss Curry leaves behind her partner and five Godchildren.

A service of thanksgiving will be held on Monday, May 18, at St Mary’s Church, Witney at 1pm.

All are welcome, but the family requests that no black is to be worn.