Tributes are paid to 91-year-old who helped community

From left: Chief Superintendent Sharon Scott, volunteer Elizabeth Clifton and Sergeant Graham Vickers. They are pictured in 2015 during a presentation to Elizabeth, to recognise her work as a police volunteer.

Well-known Elizabeth Clifton has been described as an ‘invaluable asset’ to the area.

A familiar face around the village, she was a committed police volunteer for numerous years, only stepping down in 2015 at the age of 90.

Offering a helping hand to officers in Coquetdale, she provided a link between villagers and the local policing team.

Her duties as a volunteer included manning the village police station and attending parish-council meetings on behalf of officers.

She also offered crime-prevention advice and helped a resident who felt threatened by doorstep sellers.

Following her passing, Rothbury county councillor Steven Bridgett paid his tributes to the Second World War veteran who served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.

He praised her efforts as a police volunteer and said: “I am saddened to learn of her passing. I am sure that anyone who had the privilege of spending time with her will agree that it was time well spent.

“The stories that she would tell you about her time in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force were absolutely fascinating.

“With her kindness and witty sense of humour, our area is a less fortunate place to no longer have her.”

Chief Superintendent Sharon Scott said: “Elizabeth was an invaluable asset, not just to the police, but also to the community.”