AN inspirational and much-loved young woman from Dursley died yesterday morning aged just 33 - just five months after being diagnosed as having a brain tumour. 

Anja Rowston grew up in the town and was a passionate supporter of the community, serving as a town councillor and helping with many dramatic productions. 

Warm tributes have been paid by members of the Stroud Labour Party, Dursley Town Council and from friends and relatives 

Anja was elected as a Labour town councillor in May of last year and was devoted to helping her community.

She helped establish the popular Dursley After Hours music event and was also helping to organise the first Dursley Pride which is happening this summer. 

Stroud Labour Party said in a statement: “We are devastated by the death of our friend and comrade Anja Rowston.

"She was a brilliant, beautiful, lovely and inspiring person who enriched the lives of everyone she met. We hold her, and her friends and family in our hearts. 

"And we thank Anja for being Anja. She was great.” 

John Kay, clerk at Dursley Town Council, said: “Anya was a very friendly bubbly character who was very helpful, she will certainly be missed by the councillors and staff at the town council.

"Sadly she hadn’t been on the town council for long but in the short time she was, she made quite an impact.” 

Steve Lydon, the chairman of Stroud Labour Party said: “Anja had given so much and had so much more to give.

"Her commitment, enthusiasm and empathy for all was an example to all. Anja will be sorely missed by all of us." 

Her housemate, Jen Hoskins, who met Anja in primary school said: “Throughout her life Anja has been the most selfless and giving person.”

“If there was anything she could do to help her community, she'd do it without hesitation. I know she would have been really touched to find out just how many people's lives she had a positive impact on.”

Anja attended Cam Evelands, Cam Hopton and Rednock School - leaving in 2007 with A-levels in English, history and sociology.

An avid seamstress, Anja made many of her own clothes and helped to create masks and visors for NHS workers at the start of the pandemic.

Anja also loved the theatre and was Dursley Operatic and Dramatic Society. Besides helping out backstage or front of house in 2019 she performed in the musical Made in Dagenham.

She was due to have a principal role in Legally Blonde in 2020 before it was cancelled due to the pandemic.