Janette and John Dunbavand found dead in Northchurch

Image copyright South Beds News Agency

Image caption Former mayor Janette Dunbavand was found dead, alongside her husband John, at their home in Hertfordshire

A former mayor who was suffering from dementia has been found dead alongside her husband.

The bodies of Janette and John Dunbavand, both 81, were discovered at their detached cottage in Northchurch, Hertfordshire, just before 08:00 GMT.

Mrs Dunbavand had been the mayor of Berkhamsted while her husband was a former Conservative councillor.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said it was not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Officers were called to the Dunbavands' home following concerns for their welfare and they were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the circumstances of their deaths were being investigated.

Image copyright South Beds News Agency

Image caption The bodies of Janette and John Dunbavand were discovered at Little Oaks in Darrs Lane, Northchurch

One neighbour said: "It is a very, very sad case. We know Janette had dementia and was not able to recognise people."

Mr and Mrs Dunbavand had a daughter who lives in Australia and a son who lived locally.

The couple were both former directors of Berkhamsted School Enterprises Limit and until 1999, Mrs Dunbavand was a director of Hertfordshire Building Preservative Trust.

Mrs Dunbavand served as the mayor of Berkhamsted from 1994 until 1995.