HONORARY Alderman and Freeman of the borough Donald Holt JP died on Sunday aged 77.

Mr Holt was first elected to the former Crewe Borough Council in 1961 and was the last mayor of the 'old' council in 1973/74.

He was then the first chairman of the newly formed Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council after the local government reorganisation in 1974.

He was leader of the Labour Group from 1974 to 1984 and was made a Freeman of the Borough in 1989 in honour of his services to the area.

Following his council retirement in 1996 his long and dedicated service was recognised by the borough council with his admission to the Roll of Honorary Aldermen.

Councillor Peter Kent, leader of the Borough Council said: "Don Holt was my predecessor as leader of the Labour Group. I owe him a great deal.

"I learned much from him, as have many other members of this council.

"Don was leader at the time this council came into being back in 1974 and he helped introduce many of the measures we still follow today.

"Don Holt is a great loss to this borough. He is irreplaceable."

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