TRIBUTES have been paid to council leader and health service champion Alan Gray, who has died aged 56.

Councillor Gray, who died last week following a short illness, was also a committed family man who was looking forward to becoming a grandfather for the first time.

First elected to Great Aycliffe Town Council in 1987 and a former town mayor, he became leader last year, but stood down in January due to ill health.

His successor, Malcolm Iveson, said: "Alan was a lovely fellow, a really nice guy and a genuine lad. He'll be sadly missed on the council."

Coun Gray, who lived in Newton Aycliffe, was also a senior member of Sedge- field Borough Council.

Borough Mayor George Gray, a long-time friend, said: "We have lost one of the best councillors we have had and one of the best friends."

Coun Gray was proud of his involvement with the National Health Service, which started when he was confined to a wheelchair following a back operation.

He held several positions over 25 years and became the first chairman of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust in April 2002.

Chief executive Nigel Porter said: "He was always supportive, demanded high standards, understood the pressures faced by front-line staff, but also ready with a joke or an encouraging comment."

His widow Joan, 54, said her husband never tired of helping people. As well as being a Newcastle United fan, his interests included fishing and travelling.

Son Darren, 35, whose wife Kyoko is expecting a baby boy in June, said his father was devoted to his family.

Coun Gray's funeral service will be held at St Clare's Church, Newton Aycliffe, on Wednesday, at 11am.