TRIBUTES have been paid to former Teesdale councillor Bill Greig who died in hospital last week.

Members of Teesdale District Council spoke yesterday of the spirit and character of the 85-year-old, who retired from local politics in 1999. He was a well-known and respected councillor throughout his 12 years as a member.

Mr Grieg was the leader of the Teesdale Independent party for four years, and was elected as deputy chairman of the council in 1997.

He decided to take a less active role in politics to spend time with his wife, Margaret, who was ill.

Mr Greig lost his Cotherstone and Lartington seat to Councillor Dreda Forster in 1999, and later announced that he would not stand again.

He was also a keen bridge player and a member of the Barnard Castle Bridge Club.

Charles Anderson, chief executive of Teesdale District Council, said yesterday: "Councillor Greig always made his points most forcefully and most eloquently, and I came to respect his views and many of the important points he made in the council chamber.

"I was sorry to hear his health had deteriorated and I'm sorry to hear of his passing."

A funeral service will be held at Darlington Crematorium at 1.15pm, tomorrow