Craven councillors stood in silence as a mark of respect for their colleague, Polly English, who died on Good Friday.

Normal business was suspended at last Tuesday’s Craven District Council meeting for councillors to pay tribute to Liberal Democrat member Coun English.

Leader, Coun Chris Knowles-Fitton (Cons) described how he had known Coun English since the 1970s, when she had clipped his family’s toy poodles in her role as dog groomer.

He had also come to know her as a formidable opponent in the debating chamber of the council, but always charming and friendly outside of council business.

Tribute was also paid by council chairman, Donny Whaites, who said she would be sadly missed by her many friends, not only in Skipton, but across Craven.

Coun Paul English, Polly’s widower, said he had been greatly touched by the messages of support from so many people.

“It is a very sad thing to lose a member of your political group, but when it is also your wife, partner and someone you share your ward with, it almost impossible,” he said.

Her funeral will take place tomorrow, at 2pm, at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton, followed by a cremation service at Waltonwrays.