JOHN Gooding, one of the youngest ever holders of Hereford's historic mayoralty, has died aged 77.

A native of Hereford and long-time Labour Party stalwart, Mr Gooding devoted much of his life to local government.

First elected to the former city council in 1947, he was 33 when Mayor for the visit of The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh 10 years later.

Another highlight was his announcement, as chair of the Roads Committee, of a go-ahead given to Greyfriars Bridge in 1963.

The funeral for Mr Gooding, of Penn Grove Road, Hereford, will be held at All Saints Church on Tuesday, October 2.