DROITWICH has lost one of its best-known faces and a pillar of the community with the death of former town councillor Harry Hipkiss.

Last year Mr Hipkiss, of Farriers Corner, was bestowed with the honour of Honorary Freeman of the town in light of his exceptional work within the community.

Mr Hipkiss passed away at the weekend at the Worcestershire Royal after a long battle against ailing health including heart problems. He had only recently celebrated his 78th birthday.

"He was an ambassador for Droitwich," said town councillor and friend John Cook. "Wherever he went it was always with friendship."

He added that Mr Hipkiss, who lost his wife only days after retiring, was a devoted family man with four children and many grandchildren.

After retiring at the start of the 1990s Mr Hipkiss did not want to sit around at home so focused his energies on helping the community. He joined the Labour party, town council and lent his hands to community projects.

Until health problems prevented him from doing so he attended The Stroke Club at Copcut Court, to offer support to stroke victims. He was also a Welcoming Sergeant for the Salvation Army.

On receiving the Freedom of the town last year he said: "It means a great deal to me and is a great honour. It makes all the work I've done worthwhile."

Leader of the town council's Labour group Peter Pinfield said he was saddened to hear of Mr Hipkiss's death.

"Harry's death is a loss for all who knew him and the community," he said. "The town will miss Harry and it was a pleasure to have known him."