TRIBUTES have been paid to a former council finance chief who became known as “the smiling executioner”.

Ken Hounsome, of Northallerton, who was North Yorkshire County Council’s treasurer from 1970 to 1987, died suddenly on October 23, aged 87.

Mr Hounsome, who trained as a navigator-bomb aimer during the Second World War, became the youngest ever county treasurer in the country when he was given the role by Kesteven County Council, in Lincolnshire, aged 37.

After taking on the role at County Hall, in Northallerton, he became known for his professionalism and sense of humour and was appointed as the president of the Society of County Treasurers in 1976.

His son, Keir, said: “The brighter the tie he wore at council meetings the more sombre the financial message he was about to give.”

After his retirement Mr Hounsome was involved in the Northallerton Mowbray Rotary Club, the University of the Third Age and he introduced his wife, Joan, whom he married in 1947, to golf before becoming captain of Thirsk and Northallerton Golf Club.

He also served as vice chairman of the Yorkshire Rural Community Council, as a Scout leader and on the board of the Friarage Hospital for seven years, was an active member of the Quakers, in Thirsk, and was a governor of Breckenborough School for youngsters with special needs, at Sandhutton, near Thirsk.

Mr Hounsome, whose wife died four years ago, leaves his sons Ian and Keir and grandchildren, Richard and Charlotte.

His funeral will be held on Friday (Nov 2), at 2.30pm, at All Saints’ Church, Northallerton, before a reception at the Golden Lion Hotel.