A FLAG was flying at half-mast over Teignbridge Council offices in Newton Abbot today in tribute to two councillors who died over the weekend.

Former council chairman and ex-Bovey Tracey mayor Anna Klinkenberg died on Saturday as did Chudleigh member Patricia Johnson-King.

The double-death has shocked townspeople they served as well staff and members at the Forde House-based district authority.

Council leader Jeremy Christophers said today: ‘Such a tragedy is unprecedented. It’s a huge and sudden loss. Both councillors were really nice people who respected their positions on the council. Both were doing the best for their community.’

Cllr Klinkenberg, 72, died at her daughter’s home in Newton Abbot. She had earlier been diagnosed with lung cancer.

She had served as a Teignbridge district councillor since 1996, representing the Bovey ward.

She was chairman of the council in 2007 and was a was previous chairman of the planning and regulatory and appeals committees.

Cllr Klinkenberg was known as hard-working councillor who always did her best for the community.

Her fellow councillor Patricia Johnson-King had been a member of Chudleigh Town Council since 2009 and moved to the district body only last year.

The town council in its tribute said of her: ‘Patricia lived in Chudleigh for close to 50 years and had a deep love of both the town and the community.

‘She was heavily involved with several of the local community groups and in various charitable works. She will be greatly missed.’

Details of her memorial service will follow in due course, said a spokesman.

Cllr Klinkenberg’s funeral will be at Bovey Tracey’s parish church on October 28 at 1pm.

Mr Christophers said her significant experience in local politics would be a huge loss to the council.