A former mayor has died after being run over by her own car while unloading shopping.

Beryl Healy, a former Liberal Democrat county councillor and mayor of Eastbourne, was killed in what friends have described as a “tragic accident”.

Emergency services rushed to the scene in Pococks Road, Eastbourne, on Thursday morning after builders and a passing taxi driver tried to raise her one-tonne Renault Dynamic with pallets.

Firefighters were called and were able to release Mrs Healy before she was flown to the Royal Sussex County Hospital by the air ambulance.

She died in hospital that night from multiple injuries, aged 79.

Neighbour Freda Joy, 72, described how she heard “loud screams” before running out to find her under the car.

She said: “The first thing I heard was Beryl screaming and shouting.

“I went out there and she was conscious, she spoke to me and I held her hand – she looked at me and said ‘hello’.

“I was literally the last person she spoke to.”

Mrs Healy, a widow, stood down from her post as county councillor for the Devonshire ward of Eastbourne at the last election.

Colleagues paid tribute to the popular former leader of Eastbourne Borough Council.

Former Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne, Stephen Lloyd, said: “I am utterly disconsolate.

“Beryl Healy was a force of nature.

"A wonderful, wonderful woman and one of the best friends I have ever had throughout my political journey. I loved her dearly.”

Steve Wallis, who replaced Mrs Healy as county councillor, described her as an “inspiration to many”.

Mrs Healy was first elected as a councillor on September 30, 1993, and first represented the Roseland ward before the Devonshire ward from May 6, 2002.

She was mayor for three consecutive years and represented Eastbourne on East Sussex County Council up until May this year.

Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, councillor David Tutt, said he had known Mrs Healy for more than 40 years.

He said: “She was a wonderful and fun-loving person who has been a mainstay of Liberal politics in our town.

“Beryl always fought to protect those who are unable to fight for themselves.

“She raised considerable sums for local charities and worked in a voluntary capacity for local groups such as The Samaritans.

“I have lost a close friend and Eastbourne has lost a true champion.”

Chairman of East Sussex Fire Authority, councillor Phil Howson, added that Mrs Healy was a respected member of the authority for many years.

He said: “We are very sad to hear of her death and our condolences go out to Beryl's family and friends.”

Anyone who saw what happened should email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Westgate.

BACKGROUND

Beryl Healy was Mayor of Eastbourne in 1997/98, 1998/99 and 1999/2000.

She was leader of Eastbourne Borough Council in 2002/03 and 2003/04.

Mrs Healy was elected as a county councillor for the Cavendish ward on June 7, 2001, and then for the Devonshire ward from May 2005.

She retired as a borough councillor on May 8, 2006, and was subsequently awarded the title of Honorary Alderman on March 29, 2012, for eminent service to Eastbourne Borough Council.

She eventually retired as a County Councillor in May 2013.