Tributes have been paid to a former city council leader who has died at the age of 80.

David Wright represented Claines Ward on Worcester City Council from 1979 to 1988.

He was leader of the Conservative group on the council in the mid-eighties.

His brother John also served on the council during that time. 

A solicitor, Mr Wright co-formed Parkinson Wright Solicitors in 1969.

GENEROUS: David Wright was a patron of the artsGENEROUS: David Wright was a patron of the arts (Image: Quality Solicitors Parkinson Wright)

A former president of the Worcestershire Law Society, Mr Wright was also a governor of King's School, Worcester and was closely involved with several local community organisations.

He was chairman of the Iris House Trust and on the local arts scene he served as the secretary of Worcester Three Choirs Festival and chairman of the Worcester Arts Council, Worcester Cathedral Arts and the Swan Theatre.

He was the co-ordinator of the 150th Elgar Birthday Festival in 2007.

Current city council leader Lynn Denham said: “It’s sad to hear of the death of someone who gave public service to Worcester city in the past.

“We should be grateful for his contribution as a councillor during his time.”

Cyril Arridge, managing partner at Quality Solicitors Parkinson Wright, joined the firm as a trainee some 20 years after Mr Wright had joined forces with Ken Parkinson to set it up.

“David retired in 2004,” said Mr Arridge. “He had joined what was a conveyancing firm and he did litigation and family law.

“Throughout the 70s he really focussed on family law and grew the business.

“When I joined he was very much the senior partner - but in a good way. He was a very generous man, very encouraging and was always one for bringing people on.

“David was ahead of his time - he was one of the first to use computers as more than just glorified typewriters - he had vision.

“He was a patron of the arts, the Three Choirs Festival was a big part of his calendar. He was a busy man, he was a very clever man. He could talk to anyone on any level - he was very quick on the uptake.”

Mr Wright died on Monday, June 3 at his home in Worcester at the age of 80.