REPSECTS have been paid to the Loftus Town Mayor and chairman of the town council, Leslie Ward, who passed away at the weekend.

The 62-year-old died on Saturday after losing his battle with prostate cancer.

Councillor Ward was born in Danby and educated at Whitby Grammar School before moving to Halifax, West Yorkshire, where he made a career in public transport, including 22 years as a Lay Official for the Transport and General Workers Union.

He moved to Loftus seven years ago, and had been a member of Loftus Town Council since 2007.

Alison Atkinson, clerk to Loftus Town Council, said: "He will be sorely missed."

Councillor Ward leaves a widow, Elaine, who served alongside him on the Town Council, also five children and six grandchildren.

His coffin will be borne into church by six bus drivers, and it is expected that colleagues and councillors will join family and friends for the service.

The funeral will take place at Saint Leonard's Parish Church, Loftus, at 11.30am on Monday, January 18.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Prostate Cancer Charity.