We are saddened to learn the awful news that the lady who passed away at Knypersley Reservoir today was Biddulph town councillor and Biddulph In Bloom volunteering stalwart Hilda Sheldon MBE.

We reported earlier that an elderly woman sadly died after emergency services were called to reports of a person in the water at Knypersley Reservoir today (Wednesday 8th June).

Cllr Sheldon was a well known and well-loved figure in Biddulph both as an Independent councillor and a volunteer who helped to keep the town looking its blooming best year after year.

She co-ordinated the town's In Bloom efforts over almost 30 years, with Hilda and her team of volunteers planting thousands of trees, seeds and bulbs, restoring hedgerows and caring for allotments, all to keep the town looking its best and cementing Biddulph's nickname as 'The Garden Town of Staffordshire'.

The group was formed as a way of bringing back pride to Biddulph after the loss of industry following the decline of the mining industry.

Hilda and the In Bloom team's efforts saw the town receive many awards over the years, winning Gold awards in multiple In Bloom competitions.

We reported last year how Biddulph was awarded another Gold in the Large Town category for the 2021 In Bloom competition.

Hilda was also awarded an MBE for her many years of volunteering and fundraising efforts.

She also well known for running the Brammers shop on Station Road for many years.

At Nub News we would like to put together a tribute to celebrate Hilda's life and everything she did for the town. If you knew Hilda and would like to contribute please feel free to get in touch.