Tributes have been paid to a much-respected former Sudbury mayor who has died at the age of 90.

Community stalwart Valerie Moulton became mayor in 1976 and served as a town councillor for many years alongside husband Russell and other relatives.

Mrs Moulton was involved in a number of organisations in the community, including the Co-operative Women’s Guild, the women’s branch of the Royal British Legion, and was a member of Sudbury Town Twinning Association.

“She loved Sudbury and the people of Sudbury,” said son Nick Moulton.

“She was so proud of her time as mayor. She made many long-term friends through local politics and to her it didn’t matter so much about political views.

“She believed local politics was about serving the people.”

She also served as chairman of the Stour Valley Centre committee, and was instrumental in the running of a day centre for the elderly at Belle Vue House.

“I came across some appointment diaries of my mum and dad’s dating back 30 years,” added Mr Moulton.

“It wasn’t unusual to see them attending three, four or even five meetings a week. It was flat-out.”

Jacqui Howells, Sudbury Town Council clerk, said: “Valerie was a much-respected councillor who was not afraid to stand up for what she believed.

“She was passionate about Sudbury and admired for her work locally.

“Even when she retired from the town council, she still took an avid interest in council affairs and would often make her opinion known if she disapproved of decisions made.”

Nicki Dixon, former Sudbury town councillor, said: “I remember Valerie from being a little girl and she was a good friend to my parents.

“I remember her being mayor in the 1970s and she loved Sudbury very much.

“She was a lovely lady who knew a lot of people.”

Current Sudbury mayor Sue Ayres added: “She was a wonderful person and a great mayor.”

Mrs Moulton’s funeral will take place on Friday, January 18, at St John’s Methodist Church in Sudbury at 11am.

The borough flag will be flown at half-mast at Sudbury Town Hall on the day of her funeral as a mark of respect.