An “outstanding” former mayor whose career included modelling, working as a nurse, a civil servant and a magistrate has died.

Joyce Bacchus, 77, served as a Labour councillor in Brent for 20 years and was given an MBE in 2000 for services to community relations.

Brent Council confirmed that she died at Northwick Park Hospital on Tuesday, having battled illness for “some time”.

Born in Guyana, she moved to England and started working as a fashion model, before taking on several nursing roles and then forging a career in the civil service.

As well as her role as a councillor, the mother-of-one served as a magistrate and as a governor at Chalkhill Primary School.

She was elected as Brent’s mayor for the 2000/01 council year.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “Joyce was an exceptional person and an outstanding servant to the people of Brent.

“She was highly regarded across the political spectrum and made serving our community her life’s work, for which it was only right she was honoured with an MBE.

“I was proud to work with her in Tokyngton ward and our thoughts are with her family at this very difficult time.”

His words were echoed by the current Mayor of Brent, Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi, who said Joyce set a “fantastic example” to her successors.

He added that she will be “sorely missed” by those she “tirelessly” represented.

Flags at Brent Civic Centre were flown at half-mast in honour of Joyce’s life and achievements.