TRIBUTES have been paid to the deputy mayor of Coleford who died recently.

Deputy mayor Paul Kay was also a former district councillor and passed away suddenly aged 68 on Monday, October 19 at Cheltenham General Hospital.

He had served the town for 25 years and was mayor between 2014 and 2017.

Cllr Kay was instrumental in setting up the twinning with the French town of St Hilaire de Riez in 2016.

He was also a dedicated volunteer at the town’s tourist information centre.

Mayor, Councillor Nick Penny, described him as “a close friend and a loyal servant of our town.

“Paul was a committed councillor who dedicated many years of his life to our town and he will certainly leave a large hole in all our hearts.

“During my term as mayor, Paul has been a trusted supporter for which I am sincerely grateful.”

A statement by the town council said: “Paul will be deeply missed by us all –both as a dedicated councillor and, for many, a true friend.”

Tributes were also paid by district councillor Alan Preest, the Reform member for Lydney East.

He told the meeting of the full council: “I first knew Paul back in 2003 when I first joined this council. Opposite views on the politcal spectrum but I don’t think we ever fell out.

“It was profound sadness to hear about his passing and sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues and to the people of Coleford who he admirably continued to represent.

Chair of the council Cllr Di Martin said Cllr Kay was “a great colleague”.

Tributes were also paid to Grace Benstead who served as a Conservative councillor for Coleford.

“Grace Benstead a friend and a colleague and I was very sad to hear of her demise,” said Cllr Preest