CITY councillors have paid tribute to former mayor Doris Ansari, who has died at the age of 84.

A Liberal Democrat, Mrs Ansari dedicated more than 40 years to public service and was awarded an OBE in the 2000 New Year Honours for services to the community in Cornwall.

She was elected to Truro City Council in 1971 and Carrick District Council in 1973, serving as Truro mayor from 1978 to 1979. Mrs Ansari chaired Cornwall County Council from 2005 to 2009, representing the duchy at European level in this capacity.

Her last office was as Truro Tregolls councillor on Cornwall Council. She stood down in 2013 and was succeeded by Loic Rich, who said: “Doris was a titan – she had a huge reputation and did so much work for Truro. She cared about people more than anything else - she understood the challenges they faced, because she was part of their community and lived the same lives they did.”

Cllr Rob Nolan, chairman of Cornwall Council and Truro councillor, described Mrs Ansari as “a tireless advocate for the people of Cornwall”, adding: “Mrs Ansari dedicated decades of her life to public service, demonstrating unwavering commitment, integrity and compassion in all she undertook.

“Her leadership, particularly in the securing of Objective 1 funding in the late 1990s, left an indelible mark on our community. As a former chairman of Cornwall County Council, she was a respected voice in local government, championing the values of inclusion, opportunity and civic pride.”

Current mayor Cllr Chris Wells extended “heartfelt condolences” to her family on behalf of all at Truro City Council, adding: “They are very much in our thoughts and prayers.”

Mrs Ansari’s funeral will take place at Truro Cathedral on Monday, June 30 at 1pm. The City of Truro flag will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.