THE 'inspirational' figure who played a leading role in establishing Stockton Heath Festival will be given a 'fitting tribute' at this year's tenth anniversary event following his death.

Tudor Pole sadly died on January 5, aged 85, with his wife Joan, daughter Karen and son Julian by his side following a battle with a number of illnesses.

The Willow Drive resident, who retired from his Stockton Heath parish councillor post last May, was one of the driving forces behind the annual festival.

This year will mark the tenth to date – and it will be held in his memory.

Ian Simpson, who is Tudor's son-in-law and chairman of the festival's trustees, said: "The health services and friends and neighbours have all given fantastic support, particularly over the last month – this has been much appreciated.

"Tudor was of course one of the founders of the festival, previous director, trustee and our honorary president."

Festival director David Craggs added: "Tudor, when I moved to Stockton Heath, inspired me as a volunteer to take on the role of director.

"With all the committee's support in memory of Tudor we will ensure that our tenth anniversary festival will be a fitting tribute to a true community inspiration."

Despite retiring from the festival committee in 2015, Tudor continued to give advice and guidance to the committee.

And last year he made his way to the festival field to hand out raffle prizes, while sporting his 'usual beaming smile'.

Stockton Heath Parish Council chairman and borough councillor Peter Walker said Tudor, who was made an honorary freeman of the village last year, 'will be greatly missed'.

He added: "We were all very saddened to learn of the passing away of Tudor.

"Although now retired, Tudor was a parish councillor for many years.

"He worked tirelessly for the residents he represented, dealing with many issues to improve the environment of our village.

"Even in retirement he was still active and helped persuade the parish council to support the planting of trees on the bank of the brook to enhance the outlook on Chadwick Avenue and Willow Drive.

"Tudor's main and lasting achievement was to start Stockton Heath Festival.

"Almost single-handedly, 10 years ago, he convinced the parish council it could be done and to provide the first grant of money to get the project moving to become what is now the major event of the year for the village.

"Tudor was a kind person and passionate for what he believed in. He was an inspiration to all who knew and worked with him."

Tudor's funeral will be held at 1.15pm at St Thomas' Church, on London Road, on Friday, January 20.

This year's festival will run from June 29 to July 2.

A special prize for the art exhibition has been named in Tudor's honour.

For further information visit stocktonheathfestival.co.uk