WORCESTER City councillors have paid tribute to three Labour colleagues retiring from the authority after the local elections tomorrow.

Nurul Haque, who was the city's first Asian councillor, is among those stepping down.

At a meeting of the full council last night, Labour group leader Coun Adrian Gregson said Coun Haque's election in 1995 was an "extremely important" step forward for multiculturalism in the city.

"He is a respected member of the ethnic community and has been an efficient and effective ward councillor for all the people in his ward."

He added that Coun Haque would continue his work with Worcestershire Racial Equality Council and as a magistrate.

Coun Richard Udall, who has represented St John's and Dines Green for 12 years, is also retiring due to family and business commmitments, although he will continue to serve on Worcestershire County Council.

Devotion

Coun Gregson said Coun Udall had shown a great deal of commitment and devotion to Labour in Worcester.

"His contributions, speeches, campaigns and dubious jokes will be missed by the chamber," he said.

"But his electors in Dines Green will miss him the most."

Coun Phillip Howell, who represents the city's St Martin ward, is the third Labour group member bowing out of public life.

"He has been a quiet, conscientious person, who has maintained his commitment to his ward," said Coun Gregson.

Coun Mike Layland also paid tribute to Ray Turner who resigned from the Labour Party and from his seat, representing St Nicholas ward, on the city council earlier this year,

Mr Turner, described by Coun Layland as a "very good community councillor", stepped down because he was opposed to the war in Iraq.