TRIBUTES were today paid to former mayoress of Ipswich Pat Borrett.Mrs Borrett, who became mayoress in 1978, has died at the age of 68.She took the role of mayoress in the place of her late mother when her father, Alan Seabrooke, became mayor.

TRIBUTES were today paid to former mayoress of Ipswich Pat Borrett.

Mrs Borrett, who became mayoress in 1978, has died at the age of 68.

She took the role of mayoress in the place of her late mother when her father, Alan Seabrooke, became mayor.

Mr Seabrooke, who was known as Ipswich's unofficial poet laureate because her wrote verses to celebrate key events in the borough, died around four years ago at the age of 89.

Mrs Borrett, who has two sons, two stepchildren and seven grandchildren, died from pneumonia at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, on May 16.

Her younger son, Jon Bestow, 41, of Kelvedon Drive, Rushmere St Andrew, said his mother used to be well known in the town – both for her role as mayoress and because she taught the piano and electric organ.

He said: "She was extremely well-received, especially because she was quite young for a mayoress and had also been a model.

"When she was mayoress, she used to do charity music events and there will be a lot of people who have grown up in this town who have had music lessons from her in the past.

"She was a bubbly, lively person. Music was her passion, together with socialising. She enjoyed people and company."

Mrs Borrett had lived in Spain for the past 23 years with her husband Ed Borrett but, after he died early this year, she returned to Ipswich in March.

Mr Bestow said: "They just wanted to enjoy the good life out there! She played at local schools and gave music lessons and he was a French polisher."

Former mayor of Ipswich Roger Fern presented commemorative badges to past mayors, mayoresses and consorts on May 16 – the day Mrs Borrett passed away - to thank them for their contribution to Ipswich and to celebrate the town's mayoralty.

Although Mrs Borrett was not able to attend, her family received the badge the day after her death.

Mr Bestow said: "We were extremely delighted to receive it as another way of having a positive memory of my mother."

Mr Fern said: "I hope her family will enjoy receiving the badge and recognise the reasons for its presentation – the year of commitment that Pat and her father put into Ipswich."

A service of thanksgiving for her life is being held at 2pm tomorrow at St John's Church in Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich.