TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of former councillor Reg Chrimes who has been described as "the epitome of what a public servant should be".

He was the Labour ward member for Little Neston for 58 years as well as having spells as both leader and deputy leader of the old Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council.

Reg, who was in his late 90s, served under longstanding leader Fred Venables before taking over the reins in 2005.

Two years later he stood down, at which point he was the longest serving councillor in the UK.

Leading the tributes is Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Justin Madders who took over from Reg as borough council leader back in 2007, prior to the creation of Cheshire West and Chester Council two years after.

He said: "I was saddened to hear yesterday that Reg Chrimes, Little Neston councillor for 58 years, has passed away.

"For most of this time he was either leader of Neston Urban District Council, or deputy leader or leader of Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council and it is fair to say he was someone that I, the people he represented, and his colleagues in local government held in the highest regard.

"When he stood down in 2007 it was thought at the time he was probably the longest serving councillor in the country but the length of time he served does not do justice to the impact he had on those who had the honour of working for him.

"He was the epitome of what a public servant should be; polite and courteous but with an unswerving commitment to delivering socialism, or what he liked to call 'the brotherhood of man'.

"I had the privilege of working closely with him on the borough council and learnt so much from him; lessons I continue to follow today.

"He had the total respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community he represented, whom he served with diligence and compassion.

"He was the original 'Mr Neston' and will be sorely missed. RIP Reg."

Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Louise Gittins added: "Very sad news. Reg encouraged me to stand in Little Neston as a councillor to pick up his mantle, his were massive shoes to fill.

"Residents still speak very fondly of him. RIP Reg and thank you for your encouragement and support."