TRIBUTES have been paid to a historian, lecturer, bookkeeper and former mayoress who has died after decades of service to Winchester.

Margaret Green has been remembered as kind, loving and strong by family after dying at the age of 93.

She she wrote a number of important books on Winchester's history and conducted guided tours for more than 20 years.

A regular contributor to the Chronicle's history pages in the 1960s, Mrs Green also dealt antiquarian books, prints and maps at the Hampshire Bookshop, now Kingsgate Bookshop.

Born in West Town, Somerset, in 1922, Margaret Green met her husband of more than 65 years, Stewart Green, whilst studying at Cambridge in 1941.

Mr Green became Mayor of Winchester in 1968 after years as a city councillor. The couple later retired to Bournemouth.

Mrs Green died peacefully on July 23.

The family said in tribute: "Whatever Margaret put her hand to was a success – she was extremely knowledgeable and well-read, was creative and had style as well as having great business acumen.

"A strong local character, who also had a great sense of fun and community spirit investing countless hours in supporting others and their community activity.

But above all Margaret Green will be remembered for being the most kind, loving and generous wife, mother, grandmother, godmother and friend.

Friends are invited to attend Mrs Green's funeral on Monday at 4pm at St Mary's Chapel, Chesil House, 4 Chesil Street, Winchester.

Family flowers only. Donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Society via Richard Steel & Partners Funeral Directors, Alderman House, 12-14 City Road, Winchester SO23 8SD or online at www.rsponline.co.uk.