Mrs Ottaway, 66, who represented the Hailsham East ward on the town council between 1995 and 2003, was driving a rental car which collided head-on with a bus.

Mrs Ottaway's sister, Barbara Seager, 64, who lived in Fethiye, Turkey, was also killed in the accident.

Mayor Ian Haffenden said, "Winsome Ottaway was very much admired and respected for her dedication to public service and her commitment to the local community.

"As a local councillor, she worked tirelessly on behalf of the community she was proud to represent and she contributed significantly to the council committees on which she served.

"The tragic death of Mrs Ottaway is a great loss to us all.
"Our thoughts and sympathy are with her husband and family."

Town clerk Liz Jones added, "Winsome Ottaway was highly respected within the community and by Hailsham Town Council.

"This was evident by her eight-year service as an elected representative for the Hailsham East ward.

"It is always sad to lose a former councillor and considerably more so in such tragic circumstances.

"She will be sorely missed by us all."

A minute's silence was held in tribute to Mrs Ottaway at Monday night's town council meeting.

n Mrs Ottaway's husband of nearly 44 years, John, was taken ill two days after being told the news of his wife's death.

Mr Ottaway was treated at Eastbourne's District General Hospital for suspected angina problems.