TRIBUTES have been paid after the death of a long serving former Bromsgrove councillor and businessman.

Michael Scanlan was chairman of Bromsgrove District Council in 1993. He served on the authority for 12 years representing the people of Alvechurch. He was also for a time chairman of the local authority's planning committee.

The 87-year-old was also a long serving member of Alvechurch Parish Council and in the 1950s was treasurer for Alvechurch Village Hall.

Michael was last seen in public when he attended the funeral of fellow parish councillor Pat Ridge, who died a fortnight ago.

It is believed that Michael had a fall at his home in Redditch Road, Alvechurch, two days after the funeral. He was taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch where he died last Saturday.

For many years he was a director at High Duty Alloys in Redditch and held a number of positions in industry.

Education and sport were also great interests - Michael was a governor at four local schools. He was also a member of Redditch Golf Club for 35 years, serving as captain, vice-president and president.

Born in Ireland, Michael moved to Worcestershire after World War Two. His wife Nancy died several years ago and three sons - John, James and David - succeed him.

"Michael was a gallant gentleman. He was the embodiment of what a local councillor should be," said Councillor Jean Luck who had been a friend for more than 20 years.

"No one went to Michael for help and got turned away. He will be missed," she added.

Michael Scanlan's funeral will be held at Mount Carmel Church, Redditch, at 2pm on Thursday, March 3.