TRIBUTES have been paid to a “larger than life” former councillor who sadly passed away following a period of illness.

Ron Passingham, from Webheath, served the council intermittently up until 2003 which included the role of mayor in 1987.

Even after retiring from the council Mr Passingham still played an active part in the community supporting events right up until his death.

He died on Saturday, June 9, aged 92.

Leader of the council Bill Hartnett worked alongside him for almost 30 years both at county and borough councils.

He said: “Ron is the last of a generation of great former larger than life councillors, real community champions.

“Today's councillors can only hope to come close to the many achievements Ron made to Redditch and the borough rightly honoured Ron by the lowering of the town hall flag to half mast.

“He had a great and full life and the borough has lost a valuable and much loved member of the community.”

As well as serving the town Mr Passingham was a former school teacher at County High School, now Trinity High School, and served in the navy during the Second World War.

Mr Hartnett added: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Ron's family Jenny, Sue, Ester and David.”

The funeral, for family and close friends only, will take place on Tuesday, June 19 at Westhall Park, Holberrow Green.

For anyone wishing to pay tribute to Mr Passingham there will be a gathering at Redditch Rugby and Cricket Social Club at 3.30pm.

Instead of flowers the family have asked for donations to be made to the charity Water Aid via wateraid.org or one of the family members on the day.