Tributes have been paid to Douglas councillor Debbie Pitts who has died after a short illness at the age of just 47.

A meeting of Douglas Council on Wednesday was adjourned for a short time when news of Councillor Pitts’ death came through to her shocked colleagues.

Councillor Pitts was elected to the council in 2012 and served as Mayor of Douglas for the 2017-18 municipal year.

She was the current deputy mayor and a member of the housing committee and of the regeneration and community committee.

Her parents Councillor Stephen Pitts and the late Dot Pitts have both served as Mayor of Douglas.

Paying tribute, council leader David Christian said: ’Debbie brought an energy and enthusiasm to all that she did.

’As a councillor she was dedicated to serving her Derby ward constituents to the very best of her ability and as a life-long Douglas resident really understood their needs and aspirations.

’As Mayor she brought a wealth of creativity and imagination to the role and made it her mission to open the doors of the town hall to as wide a cross section of the community as possible.

’Her boundless concern for the welfare of others shone through and led to her raising £23,700 for the mayoral charity appeal with the support of her deputy mayoress, Linda Curphey.’

On the day of her installation as Mayor in May 2017 Debbie said: ’I hope to carry on the strong family tradition and make my own mark on the role of Mayor and local politics.’

Councillor Christian said: ’I believe it’s fair to say that Debbie not only made her mark on her civic and political roles but she has also made her mark on all our hearts.

’She will be sadly missed by all those privileged to have known her.’

David Cretney MLC said: ’Lovely Debbie Pitts was so incredibly brave.

’I knew her for so many years in fact as a little girl. She helped me with my first election and at each one since. She served our town of Douglas as its first citizen, Mayor and councillor with distinction. Just as her mum and dad did as well.

’She was dedicated to support and encouragement for young people which was demonstrated in such a special way at Rebecca House and in so many other situations.

’Having spent a nice evening with her, Stephen, Paula and Heather on Saturday it is very hard to believe I won’t see her again. But she will never be forgotten.’

Health Minister David Ashford, a former Douglas councillor, said: ’She was a good friend and a hard working councillor.

’She always managed to bring a smile to people’s faces and during her time as Mayor the energy she showed was phenomenal. Forty seven is far too young for her to be taken from us, she had so much more to offer.’

Debbie was a founding member of Relay for Life.

The charity posted: ’Debbie never missed a Relay and has been a great supporter of our cause since the beginning. Debbie was the embodiment of Relay IOM and she will be missed, but celebrated at each and every Relay IOM from here on in. Rest In Peace now Debbie.’

Debbie is survived by her father, Councillor Stephen Pitts, her sister Nicola Walkingshaw and brothers Stephen and Frankie.

Her funeral and celebration of her life takes place on Satruday (February 1) at 12 noon at St George’s church in Douglas.