BRAVE Amersham mayor Monica Breadmore has lost a long battle against cancer just one week after completing her year in office.

The Conservative councillor for Wheedon Hill, who died on Sunday, was well known for her selfless community work even attending Christmas lunch for the elderly despite undergoing chemotherapy.

Des Knowles, town clerk, said: "Although her Christmas lunch consisted of mashed potatoes and Complan she was happy to attend. That was a measure of how committed to the community she was.

"Cllr Breadmore's vision and commitment to the community and Amersham Town Council was outstanding, though she recently expressed her disappointment that her illness had prevented her from achieving her mayoral aspirations for 2005 to 2006."

Mrs Breadmore (pictured right) of Woodfield Park, who was 64, had lived in Amersham since 1975.

She was married to John, who followed suit and became a town councillor in 2003. She had a son and three stepchildren.

Councillor Vera Head said Mrs Breadmore would be missed greatly.

Adding: "She really was such a good person to be around, it is difficult to put into words.

"She did her best working on the council but it is very sad that life chose something else for her.

"We were all extremely concerned for her husband as, although she was ill, it came as a shock to all of us, particularly for him, that she was not going to get better. She certainly will be missed as a voice of reason on the town council."

Mrs Breadmore was involved in many organisations and groups.

She was an active member of the Amersham Residents' Association and of the National Trust. Mrs Breadmore was also a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme co-ordinator in the area.

She was on the council's GE Healthcare Liaison Committee as well as being secretary of the Amersham Action Group.

Mr Knowles added: "Cllr Breadmore was held in the highest regard by her fellow councillors, town council staff and community organisations. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her."

Her husband was too distressed to talk and is being comforted by his children at the family home.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday, May 31, at 4pm at the Chiltern Crematorium.

Donations will go to the Child Bereavement Trust, her chosen charity for her year in office.

Donations and flowers should be sent care of Cook's Funeral Service 01494 791359