Warm tributes have been paid to a long-standing councillor who is stepping aside at the next election.

Councillor Valerie Binney (Con, Thornton and Allerton, pictured) was given a standing ovation at her last full Council meeting yesterday.

Coun Binney, a former Lord Mayor, has Motor Neurone Disease, a rare muscle-wasting condition. She is now a wheelchair user and talks through a computer aid. Coun Binney also suffered the sad loss of her husband, Donald, in January.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Khadim Hussain, said: “Your courage and determination has been remarkable. You have been a tower of strength throughout the last year, despite some setbacks.”

Coun Binney said in had been an honour to represent the people of her ward and the district. She thanked her fellow councillors “for their kindness and support during my illness and the loss of my beloved husband Donald.”