TRIBUTES have been paid to a “happy-go-lucky” woman who devoted 15 years of her life to managing markets in Bewdley.

Chris Evans died on February 26 after losing her battle with a serious heart condition she had suffered with for many years.

The 68-year-old grandmother ran Bewdley’s weekly general and farmers’ markets for 15 years until they were axed three years ago after she fell in love with the riverside town.

She fought successfully in 2007 to temporarily move the Saturday market from its site off Dog Lane to Severnside South following a slump in trade.

Her husband of 38 years, Richard, said: “She loved doing the markets. It was part of her life.

"She was very happy doing it and she firmly believed it was something that Bewdley needed.

“She more or less devoted 15 years of her life to it and she was very upset when it closed.”

Despite living in Birmingham, the couple spent much of their spare time in Bewdley, where they had owned a holiday home for 36 years.

“That’s how she got involved in the market,” said Mr Evans. “She enjoyed Bewdley. ”

Mrs Evans’ daughter Emma White added: “She left a piece of her heart in Bewdley.”

Mr Evans said: “Chris was very happy-go-lucky. She loved being involved with the markets. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren.”

Mrs Evans also leaves behind her five children and eight grandchildren. Her funeral has yet to be arranged.