THE death is being reported of long-standing Middlesbrough councillor Hazel Pearson OBE.

She was 92.

The former Cllr Pearson retired from public office at the age of 91 last year and was thrilled when colleagues threw her a special farewell party.

A Conservative councillor for 47 years, she decided to step down at the May election due to ill health.

Stockton Tory MP James Wharton, writing on Twitter, paid tribute.

"Very sorry to learn of the death of Hazel Pearson OBE. A wonderful lady who served Middlesbrough for many decades," he wrote.

The Northern Echo:

Hazel Pearson, left, at Middlesbrough College campus at Middlehaven in 2008. She was chairwoman of the college governors and is pictured with Laing-O’Rourke project leader Andrew McHugh and college principal John Hogg, with a ROSPA Gold Award for safety.

Owner of Recognition PR Graham Robb wrote: "Hazel was a redoubtable lady who served Middlesbrough with distinction. She was a real influence on my formative years in politics."

Mark White wrote on Facebook: "Hazel was wonderful. She made an amazing contribution to education and to public life in Middlesbrough. Teesside University is enormously proud that she is an honorary graduate."

Simon Clarke, Conservative candidate for Middlesbrough in 2015, said she was a great servant to Middlesbrough Council, the Conservatives and was a "very special personality".

Michael Bateman wrote: "Very sad to hear of the passing of former Cllr Hazel Pearson OBE. A great lady. RIP."

Dave Smith wrote: "Sorry to hear the passing of former Conservative Cllr Hazel Pearson today. A formidable, strong character who sadly be missed. RIP."

Charles Heslop described her as "a great lady with forthright views who always put the community first".

While Amanda Vigar wrote: "That's sad - have fond memories of Hazel rounding up all the troops and sending them off with their bundles of leaflets!"

Middlesbrough born and bred, she was first introduced to politics by her brother-in-law Arthur Pearson - a Conservative councillor.

Over the years, she has welcomed guests into her Acklam home including Margaret Thatcher and Ann Widdecombe.

In 1968 she won the Acklam, Kader and Brookfield seat. She went on to become the first female chairman of Cleveland County Council and in 2003 she was granted the Freedom of the Borough - her “proudest moment”.