A former councillor and founding member of the Richmond Concert Society has died aged 91.

Jill Grist, who previously represented the South Richmond ward for the Liberal Democrats, died on September 20.

Born in Yorkshire, Mrs Grist worked as a radar operator in the Women’s Land Army during the Second World War, before studying at the London School of Economics.

Her husband of 62 years, John Grist, said the couple, who had three children, moved to Richmond in 1956 and described his late wife as a “very tough, highly intelligent Yorkshire woman who spoke her mind”.

Mr Grist said: “She was extremely active right up until literally a month before her death.”

Robin Meltzer, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Richmond Park and North Kingston, paid tribute to the active campaigner against the Heathrow expansion.

He said: “To be fortunate enough to get to know Jill was to know a person of exceptional judgement, sharpness and wit – characteristics which never left her.”

A memorial service will be held at St Matthias Church, Richmond, at 1pm on October 3, by Canon Julian Reindrop.

Canon Reindrop, who was close friends with Mrs Grist for 20 years, said: “She was one of those women in whom people felt respect and admiration in equal measure.

"She had a great sense of humour, was an incredible conversationalist and the parties she and John hosted were legendary.”