A LEADING campaigner for the rights of disabled people was one of the city's "brightest stars".

Tributes to Cllr Lynn Jeffries have continued to pour in from those who knew her best, describing her as " a completely selfless person who always looked to help others".

The 58-year-old Liberal Democrat was found dead at her home, on Dudley Mews, on Friday afternoon.

She was involved with a host of groups fighting for equality among the city's most vulnerable, and was constantly helping those in need.

Tory councillor Paul Doughty, of Strensall ward, said: "She was a completely selfless person who always looked to help others and she will be much missed by those she represented as well as those such as myself who consider it an honour to have known and worked with her.

"I will remember with fondness her cheeky but well meaning sense of humour."

David Smith, director of development at The Retreat, York, added: "Long before being a councillor Lynn was, and continued to be, a campaigner for the rights of people with disabilities; a job she did with passion, integrity, commitment and usually with little or no pay.

"Over the years Lynn has touched the lives of many people across the city.

"She was never afraid to challenge, never afraid to speak out and never afraid to make herself unpopular by giving a voice to the vulnerable and disabled.

"The voluntary and community sector in York has lost one of its brightest stars this week.

"In remembering Lynn we need to hold onto what she taught us. Give people the opportunity to speak, listen to what they say, treat people like adults and ask the awkward questions."

One of Cllr Jeffries' roles outside the council was on the board of York Independent Living Network, where she worked with the group to help raise awareness of the city's disabled people.

York resident Keith Chapman who worked with Cllr Jeffries in the group said: "It's devastating news.

"She always has a smile on her face and was always asking after you; she never thought about herself.

"She inspired me because when you are doing advocacy work and learning about the disabled, the knowledge she gave to me was exceptionally valuable, and it made me work better with disabled people.

"I will really miss her and nobody will be able to take over her job. We won't get anybody as dedicated."