Carol Barron was taken ill at Saturday's celebrations to mark the centenary of Maltby Colliery.

She underwent an emergency operation at Rotherham Hospital after suffering a torn aorta. She died on Sunday after being transferred to Sheffield Northern General.

"It's a huge shock," said Bassetlaw MP John Mann. "Carol was a brilliant personality and also had a very, very active life."

"She was a major figure in the community and I think her personality made her hugely respected by people. She was incredibly personable and popular."

Carol worked for her husband as his parliamentary assistant, and played a prominent role in the Rother Valley community.

"She was a very well respected," said David Morton, clerk to Maltby Town Council. "She will be greatly missed. She was known to many of the councillors and has been for many many years."

"She will be missed both as a person and as a wife to Kevin and a mother to her children."

"This came as a big shock and we're all stunned. We are very sorry for what has happened and the thoughts of the council are with Kevin and his family."

"I would also like to pass on my own personal thoughts to all those concerned."

Mr Barron, himself a former Maltby miner, opened Saturday's all-day event at the Miners' Welfare Fields off Muglet Lane.

"We were shocked and saddened to hear about Mrs Barron's death," said a spokesman for Hargeaves, who bought the colliery last year and organised the 100th celebrations. "Our thoughts are with Kevin and her family at this time."

"Since Hargreaves took over Maltby Colliery, Mr Barron has maintained a keen and close interest in the pit and the whole workforce."

"We know he and Carol had been looking forward to his part in the weekend celebrations. It is very sad for this to have happened in the midst of a happy family event."






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