A CHAMPION of the people who left a lasting legacy for the borough has been honoured by a plaque marking one of her greatest achievements.

The tribute to Linda Koupparis was put up on Pett's Hill Bridge, in Northolt, and was blessed in special ceremony on Saturday July 24.

Mrs Koupparis, of Danemead Grove, nearby, spearheaded the campaign to replace the 100-year-old bridge helping ease a traffic bottleneck which had frustrated motorists for years.

The £9.2m bridge was officially opened in April 2009 but sadly Mrs Koupparis did not get to see this as she lost her battle with cancer at the end of February that year.

The blessing ceremony was led by the priest who conducted her funeral and was attended by about 35 family and friends, including councillors and ex-councillors, and Ealing North MP Steve Pound.

Hazel Ware, former Northolt Mandeville councillor, was among those who gave short speeches, sharing their memories of Mrs Koupparis.

She said: "The ceremony went very well and her family were very pleased with it. "Several people had tears in their eyes. It was her perseverance that got us the bridge and road improvements the way we wanted them. She didn't do it for herself, she did it for the residents.

"It's a very nice tribute, when people in the area look at the bridge, they think of Linda."

The plaque sits opposite the one marking the opening of the bridge by the Duke of Gloucester.

The plaque for Mrs Koupparis was thought up at the council's Northolt Mandeville ward forum and paid for with their funds.

Pett's Hill Bridge was funded by Transport for London, Network Rail and Ealing and Harrow councils.

Bassam Mahfouz, Northolt West End councillor and cabinet member for transport, added: "Linda Koupparis was a selfless community champion. It's extremely sad she passed away before seeing the project completed but I was delighted to see so many attend this weekend’s ceremony to dedicate a plaque in memory of her outstanding contribution to society.

"Many of us strive to make a positive difference in the world, Linda actually achieved it."