THE husband of Councillor Solveig Stone has paid tribute to the passionate and outspoken woman he married 53 years ago.

Marvyn Stone, 75, of Hawtrey Drive, Ruislip, spoke today (Friday) about the personal side of his wife he knew so well and also the side everyone else got to know during her time as a councillor.

Norwegian-born, Mrs Stone, 72, died on Tuesday (22) evening at home with her husband after a battle with cancer, following her diagnosis early last year.

Mr Stone said: "She was an outgoing enthusiast for doing things. I met her in 1955 and she was a bit of a leader even then and she was a light hearted woman."

Mrs Stone campaigned tirelessly for a number of causes since she was elected as a West Ruislip councillor in 1998, and she most recently campaigned against the development of flats in Ruislip.

Mr Stone said: "She wanted family homes in this area, not rabbit hutches. She was horrified at that possibility.

"She has always been a social animal and liked to talk to people. Her family was one of her biggest passions and she always provided a nice environment for her grandchildren.

"She was very loyal and we had many happy holidays in Norway. I liked Norway in the way she liked England."

Mrs Stone asked for her heart to be donated to the University College London Hospital for a research programme she was helping there.

Mr Stone said: "I was on the phone to the doctor there when she was dying and he said give her a hug from me.

"She seems to of touched many people and was very active right up until the end. I have had a lot of support from the local community."

Rachel Moore, chairman of Ickenham Residents' Association said: " On behalf of the Ickenham Residents' Association and the village community I would like to express my condolences to Solveig's family and friends.

"Solveig was dedicated to working on behalf of the community and a strong supporter of our Association and the residents of Ickenham, most recently in relation to the development of RAF West Ruislip and our village parking scheme.

"She was a woman of principle and integrity; never afraid to speak out. She will be sadly missed."

Her last wish was for the Norwegian, Australian and British national anthems to be played at her funeral.

The funeral will be held at Breakspear Crematorium in Breakspear Road, Ruislip, at 2.15pm on Wednesday (30).