A WELL-known former councillor, campaigner and businesswoman, Joan Ellis, has died.

Ms Ellis, 66, died of Covid-19 and underlying health issues at The West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven, on Wednesday. She was much-loved by her family and many friends.

Ms Ellis stepped down from her role as an Allerdale borough councillor in February, due to ill health. She represented Cockermouth’s Christ Church ward. She lived in Papcastle and was an active member of the Labour Party.

Born in Workington, her early career involved working for Oxfam in their Whitehaven and London offices. She went on to be marketing officer for West Cumbria Development Agency and later worked as development project manager at Cockermouth School.

Ms Ellis leaves four brothers, Phil, David, Ray and Derek, sisters-in-law Barbara, Emma and Maggi and nieces Kitty, Lucy, Julia, Angie, Barbara, Helen and Jillian and their families. A private funeral is to be arranged.

Next week: tributes paid.