TRIBUTES were paid to former Mayor of Douglas Dot Pitts who died in November.

The Mayor of Douglas, Councillor Ritchie McNicholl, described her as a "remarkable woman".

He said: "She brought practical common sense combined with wisdom to her role as councillor.

"As mayor she reinvigorated and redefined the post raising more than £30,000 for local causes and reaching out to all sectors of the community through her many mayoral engagements - into which she always injected a sense of fun and originality.

"Never once did her failing health compromise her selfless dedication to her council and mayoral duties alongside her husband, Councillor Stephen Pitts, or to her role as wife, mother and grandmother.

"I am proud to have known Dot as a friend and fellow council member and I extend my sincere condolences to her family."

Dot was a member of the council from April 2004 to April 2008 and Mayor of Douglas for the 2009-2009 municipal year.

Council Leader David Christian said: "I was greatly saddened to learn of the death of Dot Pitts. I was privileged to have known her as a colleague and friend. During her year as Mayor she not only succeeded in raising the profile of the council and the office of mayor but also of the Borough of Douglas.

"Her unfailing commitment to her responsibilities as a councillor and mayor, her tireless support of local charities and her devotion to her family remained undimmed despite her illness. Dot Pitts will be sorely missed and I join with His Worship the Mayor in offering my sincere condolences to her family."

South Douglas MHK David Cretney described Dot as "truly inspirational".

The Right Reverend Robert Paterson, Bishop of Sodor and Man, said: "In the two or three years I knew Dot Pitts I constantly admired her courage and determination to live life to the full – despite knowing that she had a terminal illness.

"When I saw her not long before her death she continued to face life with hope and purpose born of her profound faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of her family, and her dedication to the privilege of service.

"We will all be the poorer for Dot's death but we are inspired by the example of her faith and life. We offer to Steve and the family our condolences and our prayers for them all."

In her last days Dot, who had been suffering from bowel cancer, celebrated Christmas at Isle of Man Hospice with her family and friends.

At the time of her death she was the Deputy Mayoress of Douglas.