Public memorial service to be held for East Devon councillor

Tributes have been paid to the vice chair of East Devon District Council, Cllr Val Ranger, who died on 2 August.

Cllr Ranger's family will hold a private funeral in the coming weeks.

A public memorial service will take place on 17 September at The Pavilion at Newton Poppleford playing fields from 12.30pm to 4pm.

The service will be informal with anyone permitted to say a few words or share a reading and be followed by an afternoon tea.

All are welcome to attend in smart dress to pay their respects.

EDDC's Leader Cllr Paul Arnott said: "Val was one of those extraordinary characters whose premature loss is being deeply felt by hundreds of people, both in East Devon and beyond.

"Although being a district councillor meant that she was partly a political figure, the kind, courteous and patient way she had with members from all backgrounds marked her out as a very special human being, evident inside and well beyond the council chamber.

"Very many of us simply adored her for her calmness and wit, while also appreciating her true grit and determination to resist and flush out cant, from whatever quarter, which was the cornerstone of both her campaigning and her case work.

"Ultimately, we will always love her for who she was, a unique, incredibly hard-working person with a radiant, smiling personality, the wisest of counsels to people of all ages.

"Our profound sympathies go to her family, in particular to her two adult sons Richard and Chris, who I hope are already taking considerable comfort from the flood of warm testimonies being paid to their mum.

"Goodbye Val. We will do our best to follow in your footsteps."