TRIBUTES have been paid to a Worcestershire county councillor who died suddenly last month - with Jim Parish described as a "passionate advocate" of the people.

Mr Parish, a former Mayor of Stourport and Wyre Forest District councillor, died on Wednesday, October 28. 

The veteran councillor first entered politics back in 1997 and arrived at County Hall in 2001 after being elected to the Severn division. 

The retired businessman, who ran an engineering business in Wednesbury, in the West Midlands, lost his seat in 2005 but returned in 2009.

He was a member of the Independent Community and Health Concern (ICHC) group, and also lead the county council's cohort of members not aligned to any of the mainstream parties.

In the first full council meeting since his death other politicians spoke of their sadness at his passing.

ICHC Councillor John Thomas said: "He was passionate about the town (of Stourport) and was determined to get the best for its residents.

"He had so many friends there and could often be seen walking about the High Street talking to residents.

"He also had many friends across all of the political parties."

Mr Parish was also a superb bowls player and represented both Worcestershire and England in the sport.

Councillor Adrian Hardman, the leader, said: "Jim Parish I really got to know quite well, we had conversations almost exclusively about the staff, traffic, what we were looking to do in education - he was a tremendous advocate of the people who always listened very carefully to them."