TRIBUTES have poured in for a former councillor whose body was found in the river Avon in Evesham.

Margaret Tyszkow, aged 68, had been missing since November, prompting a district-wide response search response.

A Badsey woman born and bred, Margaret served as a parish councillor for many years before her death.

A council spokesman said: “She always made thoughtful and valuable contributions to discussions. She had an ability to recall historic detail which proved invaluable to decision making.

“Margaret, until more recently, could be seen every day at her gate chatting to passers-by, she will be sadly missed by those who knew her.

“Please remember to hold your friends, neighbours and family close.”

Margaret was born locally in 1953, to a ‘White Russian’ father, Eugeniusz Tyskow, and a German mother, Irene Thomas.

An only child, Margaret attended Badsey School and later Prince Henry’s Grammar School where she studied A-level Russian.

After completing her education, she began to train as a teacher before working for a time for the Inland Revenue in Evesham.

Margaret spent much of her time caring for her parents, with her father passing away in 1970 aged 48 and her mother in May 2012, aged 85.

However, perhaps Margaret’s greatest contribution to the local community was her role in the local council.

She was co-opted to Badsey and Aldington Parish Council in May 2011 and was part of the council’s planning committee.

Mayor of Evesham Sue Amor said: “I would like to express my deep sadness at the tragic events surrounding the death of Margaret Tyszkow.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and her gratitude to the members of the emergency services involved.”

Margaret’s body was discovered in the river near the centre of Evesham on Thursday, January 27.

This unfortunate end came following a large-scale search effort, which involved specialist rescue teams and helicopters.

Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston, had pledged his support to the search for Margaret.

On her death he said: “I was very sorry to hear of the death of Margaret Tyszkow.

I know how the whole community came together when we heard that she was missing, and it is deeply saddening that it has ended in such tragedy.

“My thoughts go out to all of those who knew her at this difficult time.”