A COMMUNITY champion, former trade unionist and councillor, is among the latest victims of the coronavirus outbreak in the North-East.

Margaret Beck, a former Sunderland city councillor, died this morning, a week after contracting Covid-19.

The 70-year-old mother and grandmother was taken ill on March 20 with suspected pneumonia, but her condition deteriorated last weekend and she was readmitted to hospital, where she died early today with her family in protective clothing at her bedside.

Mrs Beck leaves husband Richard, daughter Theresa and grandson, Ryan.

A former Unison shop steward and women’s officer, in Sunderland, she was also a primary school governor and volunteer with the prisoners’ family support charity Nepacs.

Washington and Sunderland West branch of the Labour party said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our friend, colleague and former councillor for Fulwell ward, Margaret Beck.

“Margaret was a tireless campaigner for her community and will be sadly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her.

“Our thoughts are with Richard and the family at this time.”

Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott tweeted: "So very sad to learn that former councillor for Fulwell, Margaret Beck, has lost her fight against coronavirus this morning.

“My thoughts are with Dick, Teresa and all the family.”