A former Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor and councillor sadly passed away at the weekend, aged 90.

Sheila Pitt was first elected to Stoke-on-Trent City Council in 2004 to represent the ten Berryhill and Hanley East ward until 2008.

She later went on to represent the Bentilee and Ubberley ward from 2011 until 2023.

She was elected as the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent in 2013 and, during her year of office, raised money for two charities that were very close to her heart – the Douglas Macmillan Hospice and the British Cardiac Patients Association.

Sheila has been described by council colleagues as an "incredible individual." Council leader Jane Ashworth said: "Sheila Pitt was a determined and passionate councillor, who served Stoke-on-Trent on and off for nearly two decades. When she stood down in May 2023, she said she felt privileged to have been able to represent the people of Bentilee and Ubberley and I'm sure residents living in those areas feel just as privileged to have had her represent them for 12 years.

"Sheila was a remarkable woman. She was well-respected and her fortitude and kindness will have touched all who knew her. She will be sorely missed."

The council has paid tribute to their former colleague (Nub News).

Councillor Lyn Watkins, cabinet member for health and wellbeing and ward councillor for Bentilee, Ubberley and Townsend, said: "Sheila was a very good friend and Labour colleague. I was privileged to have her support when I won the bi-election in September 2022, and she was always at the end of the phone if I needed advice.

"We had been singing in the choir at Stoke Minster since last July and afterwards we always shared a cup of tea whilst Sheila wanted to hear all the news and gossip. I shall miss her but feel better for knowing her."

Councillors will be invited to observe a minute silence in tribute to Sheila Pitt during December's full council meeting on Thursday 5 December.

Sheila Pitt was born in Hanley and lived in Stoke-on-Trent for most of her life.

During her retirement, Sheila enjoyed hobbies including photography and painting, mainly in acrylics.

Sheila leaves behind her six grandchildren, a step-daughter and step-grandson and also a great-grandson.

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