JIM UPHILL, of Burlington Road, Swanage, Dorset, writes:

I have read with interest your excellent report of the sad death of Irene Scawn, Chronicle, April 19.

I can add a little to it. I met Irene 75 years ago when she came to work in the town clerk's office at the Guildhall. This was the beginning of her long involvement in local government.

At that time I worked for the borough treasurer. In the early days of the war, we were often on duty together in the Civil Defence control room.

We were friends for about four years until she moved to a similar post with Farnborough Council.

By the time she returned to Dartmouth I had left the town, but I have good memories of these long gone days in the town.