A COUNCIL boss has paid tribute at an awards evening to a “lovely, remarkable and warm” York woman who has died at the aged of 50.

Kate Dowling, who was a member of City of York Council’s customer service team, died suddenly just under a fortnight ago and her funeral will be held tomorrow.

The authority’s eXtra Factor staff awards evening was dedicated to Kate, who lived with her parents in Clifton and was a devoted daughter, sister and auntie.

Kersten England, the council’s chief executive, told The Press Kate had been a “very special person”. She said: “Kate worked in the customer services team at City of York Council for 15 years and will be remembered for bringing teams and people together.

“Kate has been at the forefront of developing our customer centre approach at West Offices and was a lovely, remarkable and warm woman who has been taken way too early from us. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this sad time.”

She said the awards evening, held at the Park Inn last Monday, had also looked to celebrate the special staff who worked at the council, including Kate, and to thank them for all their hard work.

“The categories ranged from volunteers and unsung heroes to those who provide service excellence for York residents and was a great way to say thank you to our staff.”

There will be a requiem mass for Kate at St Joseph’s RC Church in Clifton at 10.30am tomorrow, with a private ceremony afterwards at York Crematorium.