THE chairman of Kidderminster's licensing justices, who became a magistrate when he was just 31, has died.
Ken Belding, 51, who had been a magistrate since 1982, had been suffering from cancer for two years although he continued to carry out his court duties in between spells of treatment.
He was a former vice-chairman of the Severnminster bench and in February he made a hard-hitting speech in his capacity as licensing chairman attacking outlets which supplied under-age youngsters with alcohol and also criticised the younger generation of drink-drivers.
He was the son of Robert Belding, of Lickhill Road, Stourport, who received the MBE for his work on behalf of carers in 2000, and the son-in-law of veteran councillor and former chairman of Kidderminster magistrates, John Wardle, of Wolverley.
He leaves a widow Sandra and a son and daughter.
Mr Wardle said: "It is a great loss. He rose quickly through the ranks of the magistrates at a very young age and it is tragic that he died so young. "
Mr Belding, who worked in the water industry, and his family lived at Low Habberley, Kidderminster, for many years before moving to Welland, near Malvern.
He received treatment for cancer at several hospitals in the region but still tried to fulfil his duties as best he could.
Cremation took place at Worcester Crematorium last Wednesday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article