Ex-mayor in Isle of Man dies after cancer battle

Dot Pitts was a "wonderful host" who will be missed by many

A former mayor in the Isle of Man has died after a long battle with bowel cancer.

Dot Pitts died at the island's hospice on Tuesday.

Despite suffering from the disease during her mayoral year from 2008 to 2009, she managed to raise more than £30,000 for charity.

Mayor Ritchie McNicholl said she was "truly inspirational" and a "driven woman" who raised the profile of the mayor's job.

"She brought practical common sense combined with wisdom to her role as councillor, and as mayor she reinvigorated and redefined the post.

Popular figure

"She reached out to all sectors of the community through her many mayoral engagements into which she always injected a sense of fun and originality," he added.

South Douglas MHK David Cretney called her a "wonderful host" and said her cooking and baking skills were "legendary".

Mrs Pitts, who had served as Douglas councillor for St George's ward, was a popular figure on the island, would be "missed by many", he added.

She had been fighting the disease since 2007 and had taken part in many high-profile events to raise money and awareness.

Mrs Pitts leaves husband Stephen, daughters Nicola and Debbie, and sons Stevie and Frankie.