A LATE Sidmouth community stalwart’s name will live on after an international charity renamed a fellowship in the fight against diabetes in her honour.

Popular and respected Jane Sutherland-Earl, who died in December, was well known in the town for her tireless work as a councillor and chairman of the ‘in bloom’ committee and voluntary services charity.

But many ex-colleagues and friends had no idea she had played a key part in the Hampshire-based Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation (DRWF) since its inception more than a decade ago.

Jane, who was 84, retired from her role as a trustee of the charity late last year – leaving board members wanting to recognise her contribution.

Time and commitment she gave the cause has seen its clinical fellowship – one of a pair of major grants awarded every two years – named after her.

The first Sutherland Earl Clinical Fellowship will be awarded in 2015.

DRWF, which has sister organisations around the globe, funds diabetes medical research and works for the benefit of people suffering from the condition.

Sarah Bone, chief executive of DRWF, worked with Jane for 12 years and said: “She was committed to improving the treatment for diabetes sufferers and would have found this a fitting tribute.

“She would have been thrilled, but wouldn’t have made much fuss about it. Jane wasn’t someone who was looking for glory - she gave her time, expertise - and opinion - willingly and was a wonderful character.”

Sarah added that Jane had been made aware of the honour.

The subject was mentioned when Sidmouth Town Council held a minute’s silence to remember Jane, a former chairman, last week.

Councillor Graham Liverton said he only learnt of Jane’s involvement with the charity at her funeral and said it was an example of the ‘tremendous’ amount of work she did helping others.