Former Preston councillor Patricia Harrison died at St Luke’s Hospice on Thursday morning following a period of illness.

Patricia, often known as Pat, served on Brent Council for two terms, and was a long-term governor at three Brent schools - Preston Park Primary, Crest Girls Academy, and Malorees Junior School.

She had been a teacher at Copland School in Wembley before retiring.

Patricia was chair of Brent's Labour group during her time at the town hall and was also a member of the task group on youth offending.

Brent's leader Cllr Muhammed Butt led tributes to Pat, calling her "a one-of-a-kind councillor".

He continued: "She was selfless in her dedication to public life, generous and compassionate with her time and company - a true stalwart of the Labour movement, the like of which we can be proud to have known. We will cherish her memory indefinitely."

Cllr Butt's Tokyngton colleague Cllr Ketan Sheth (Lab) described Pat as a "great friend" who had been an invaluable part of a group looking at the borough's care home provision just last year..

Cllr Sheth added: "Brent has today lost a dedicated and humble public servant in Pat Harrison.

"I have any fond memories of the time we spent working in local government and education.

"Her profound contribution to public service and legacy will be forever remembered."

This year's mayor of Brent, Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi, also added that the council had "suffered a great loss".

He said: "It was extremely saddening to hear the news of Pat's death this morning. When I was first elected in 2014, Pat was a welcoming face and worked hard to help the many new councillors settle in."

Patricia is the second former Preston councillor to pass away in less than a week. Former Tory member John Detre, died on July 21.

Patricia's funeral will take place from 2pm on Friday, August 2 at the Breakspear Crematorium in Ruislip, HA4 7SJ.

Did you know Patricia? Send a tribute to Sam.Volpe@archant.co.uk