Tributes have been paid to one of the North East's longest serving and most distinguished politicians, who has died aged 89.

Councillor Bob Fleming who served Great Aycliffe Town Council for 36 years, died on Monday (July 10).

Cllr Fleming, who was elected to the council in 1987, was awarded the rare honour of Freeman of the Town 2015 for his long service, outstanding achievement and relentless support for the local community.

He was leader of the town council Labour Group and chairman of the policy and resources committee for many years, serving on numerous occasions as chairman of various sub-committees and working groups.

The Northern Echo: Tributes have been paid to Bob Fleming, of Great Aycliffe Town Council, who has died aged 89Tributes have been paid to Bob Fleming, of Great Aycliffe Town Council, who has died aged 89 (Image: GREAT AYCLIFFE TOWN COUNCIL)

A statement from Great Aycliffe Town Council said: "He worked hard to provide and protect the facilities, events and services enjoyed by the residents of the parish of Great Aycliffe, along with being a champion for its green and pleasant environment.

"His financial knowledge was also very highly respected and helped steer the council through many a challenging budget.

"His achievements over the years are too numerous to mention, but many residents will remember him for the quiet but effective assistance he gave to all those who approached him for help.

"Many town councillors also have Bob to thank for mentoring them and helping get to grips with their roles and council protocols."

Cllr Fleming also served as a member of Durham County Council and became Leader of Sedgefield Borough Council, helping to secure substantial Local Improvement Programme monies for Great Aycliffe, which resulted in significant investment in parks and play areas.

He had a long teaching career, ending as a headteacher, but his commitment to education continued since his retirement - he was Chair of Governors for Greenfield School, Woodham Comprehensive and Woodham Burn Primary Schools for many years.

Cllr Fleming also had a distinguished military career, initially in the British Army then in later years in the Territorial Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He commanded a Durham Light Infantry Battalion which, with army reorganisations, became the 7th Battalion the Light Infantry.

The council statement added: "The DLI motto is ‘faithful’ - one word which sums Bob up.

"The many people who met or worked with Bob over many years will remember him for his love for his family, his fondness for fishing and his garden, his strong commitment to his social beliefs, his dignified and courteous manner, but also for his approachability and wonderful sense of humour. His kindness, strength and wisdom will be greatly missed and always remembered."

Liberal Democrat Councillor Michael Stead said: "Bob Fleming was an exemplary local leader. In the few years that I worked with him on Great Aycliffe Town Council I found him to be one of the councillors who was always willing to listen and give advice. 

"He saw past party politics and was willing to work with everyone. His passing is a great loss to our community, and I will miss him."

Read more stories here:

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device for just £4 for 4 months here. 

Town council Clerk Dan Austin said “I had the pleasure of working closely with Bob for more than 20 years, going back to my early career at Sedgefield Borough Council.

"He was somebody whom I had the utmost respect for – hugely knowledgeable and wise, a master politician, calm, dignified, softly spoken, tough when he needed to be, a strong leader, and above all a gentleman.

"I am truly saddened by his passing and will dearly miss his sage advice, stories, and encyclopaedic knowledge of all things Great Aycliffe Town Council."