TRIBUTES have been paid to a borough councillor as a "true gentleman".

Councillor Stanley Fortune, 77, a Conservative member of Hartlepool Borough Council, died at Hartlepool and District Hospice at the weekend following a lengthy illness.

The qualified chartered accountant was elected to the council in 2000 and served in Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond's cabinet.

The mayor said: "It is a very, very sad loss. He was the kind of character who always brightened up a meeting. He held the financial portfolio for four years, which is not the most exciting portfolio, but he would always make it interesting with his wit and his humour.

"He was a real gentleman in the true sense of the word."

Hartlepool Conservative group leader Councillor George Morris said: "He was a fine man. He was a gentleman. The main thing I think about him was his loyalty. He will be a tremendous loss."

Labour group leader Councillor Ray Waller said: "I thought Stanley was an officer and a gentleman, who worked extremely hard for the people of Hartlepool and tried his very best to make sure that those people in the greatest need were not overlooked."

Coun Fortune leaves his wife, Joyce, daughter Joy and two grandsons.