TRIBUTES have been paid to a Leominster councillor who donated thousands of pounds to support the town's youth.

Councillor Peter McCaull died at Leominster Community Hospital last Friday surrounded by his family, aged 77.

First elected to Leominster District Council in May 1973, Councillor McCaull served as a county councillor for Leominster south ward for more than 44 years and as vice-chairman of the council from 2015.

He was committed to a number of worthy causes, but he and his late wife Janice were particularly passionate about supporting young people with their education, sport, arts and culture.

Together, they set up the Janice and Peter McCaull Charitable Trust to act as a resource for young people up to the age of 21 living in Leominster, by providing advice, assistance and organising programmes of physical, educational and other activities.

Cllr McCaull was also a member of the Leominster Area Regeneration Company, a partnership between community, private and public sector organisations to improve the town.

In a statement, Alistair Neill, Herefordshire Council's chief executive, said Cllr McCaull was a credit to the council and his ward and will be greatly missed for his tremendous spirit and total commitment to Herefordshire and the council.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time," he said.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Leominster, Cllr Angela Pendleton paid tribute to a 'very popular' county councillor and former town councillor.

She said: "As a previous mayor, the post he held over four different occasions, I recall when being interviewed as prospective councillor Peter, then as mayor, asked how I saw the civic duties of being a councillor. The latter was very close to Peter's heart and the importance he attached to it was obvious.

"Peter carried out his mayoral duties with panache and style. A stickler for protocol Peter ensured nothing was left to chance and studied every aspect of civic ceremony.

"As Mayor of Leominster I respect and uphold the dignity, the sense of civic pride and the ceremony that Peter valued so much."

She added that he would be missed.

Leader of the Independent group, Cllr Bob Matthews said: "Peter was a highly respected councillor throughout the county and in particular in Leominster.

"He was looked upon to be hard-working and honest and he will be greatly missed within the group and the council."

Cllr Brian Wilcox, chairman of the council, added that he had become good friends with Cllr McCaull after he became vice-chairman in 2015.

"He always gave me 100% support and I will miss his advice and friendship,” he said.

Leominster town councillor, Pauline Davies, said: "I feel as a colleague of Peter McCaull I must give a tribute to him.

"He was a Tenbury Wells man but for at least 40 years he gave everything to Leominster, as a town councillor, four times as mayor and as an honorary townsman of 25 years' service."