TRIBUTES have been flooding in after the death of a much-loved councillor, former mayor and family man who will be sadly missed by the people of Winsford.

The funeral of Clr Arnie Ford, who died on Wednesday, October 13, aged 73, was held at St John's Church, Winsford, yesterday, Tuesday.

He moved to the town in 1966 and loyally represented the constituents of Verdin Ward for more than 20 years after being elected to Winsford Town Council and Vale Royal Borough Council in May 1983.

From 1988 to 1989, Clr Ford was appointed as Winsford Town Mayor, and he served as Vale Royal Borough Mayor from 1994 to 1995.

On both occasions he carried out his civic duties with pride and dignity and, with his wife Jean as Mayoress, worked hard to raise funds for local charities.

He will be dearly missed by his family, for whom he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Jean said: "There are a lot of people who are going to miss him - he was a very popular councillor and a devoted family man.

"He put his heart and soul into the community."

A spokesman for Winsford Town Council said: "Arnie was always well respected in the community and held in high esteem.

"He is a great loss to the town of Winsford and will be sadly missed by us all."

Clr Keith Musgrave, leader of Vale Royal Borough Council, said: "I count it as a privilege to have served with Arnie on the council for so many years.

"Although he was a relatively quiet man in the chamber, he spoke passionately about the issues that affected his constituents."

Leader of the opposition, Clr Brian Lloyd, said: "He may have been a quiet man, but when he spoke, decisions followed and he had a real interest in the welfare of the whole borough.

"I am saddened to have lost a close colleague and a dear friend."

gbebbington@guardiangrp.co.uk