TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Cheshire Police officer and journalist who sadly died on Friday morning (January 8).

Flintshire Council said they were saddened to hear of the death of Councillor Kevin Hughes of Gwernymynydd.

Mr Hughes joined the council in 2017, but in his previous career had been a police officer with Cheshire Constabulary and a journalist covering Ellesmere Port and Flintshire.

As a keen and gifted photographer, he had offered his services to Flintshire council on a number of occasions.

Most recently, he had documented the demolition of Phases 3 and 4 at County hall, attending regularly to take photographs.

This archive will now form one of many lasting tributes to his skill and enthusiasm.

A number of senior councillors and officers have paid tribute to their late colleague.

These were led by Councillor Ian Roberts, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Education, who said: "I knew Kevin as a very special person and friend who will be very sadly missed by all.

"His contribution as a Councillor has been considerable and he was highly respected by his community, members of the council and officers. He was an active local member and represented his community with integrity and in a positive and engaging way.

"My thoughts are with his wife Sally, his family and anyone who knew Kevin as a friend and colleague."

Kevin Hughes, who was 63 years-old at the time of his passing, had been admitted to Wrexham Maelor Hospital in December after testing positive for coronavirus.

He spoke out about his experience with the awful virus, which tragically prevented him from attending his mother's funeral.

Colin Everett, Chief Executive added: "Kevin was a wonderful person with a big heart. Kevin was one of the most thoughtful and generous people I have worked with in my long career. I will miss him so much as both a councillor and as a friend. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends."

Whilst Kevin was an Independent member of Council, in the Chamber, he sat with the Liberal Democrat Group.

The leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Chris Dolphin, who represents the Whitford ward, said: "A Big man with a Big heart, not one to stand on the side-lines - a Doer. A man of enthusiasm, who was in life to be really involved. As a Councillor, what a difference he has made - two of which have been, council tax lobbying directly to the Senedd, and the idea of CPR training in schools,

“A friend, fellow councillor, above all, a good man.”

The Chair of the County Council, Councillor Marion Bateman, paid her personal tribute to Kevin: "Speaking on behalf of the Council, we have lost a popular member of the team.

"Kevin was an excellent representative for Gwernymynydd, but also recognised, that as councillors, we serve Flintshire as a whole, and he did right to the end. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him at County Hall, Members and Officers equally.

“We shall all be remembering Kevin at our Council meeting on 26th January, when Members will be able to make their individual tributes.

“Our sincere condolences go to his wife Sally, along with his family and friends, at this very sad time.”