A FORMER Land Army girl and member of the local Conservative women’s committee has died aged 86.

Edna Rhind-Tutt, née Bennett, of Stapleford, was a Land Girl during the Second World War and was one of those whose efforts were commemorated in a service at Salisbury Cathedral last year.

Alongside her husband John, who was a district councillor for Stapleford and a county councillor for Bemerton Heath, she was involved in the Conservative Party for many years and was secretary, treasurer and chairman of the women’s committee.

Born in Stockton near Warminster, Mrs Rhind-Tutt was educated and worked locally before joining the Land Army. She married in 1944, moving to Stapleford to help on her husband’s farm.

The family also ran the Corner Restaurant, Salt Lane.

The couple had six children – Anne, Sally, Nick, Bob, Tim and John.

She continued to work for the Conservative Party after being widowed at the age of 53.

She died on May 31 and is surived by her children, ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The funeral is on Thursday at 2pm at St Mary’s Church in Stapleford.