TRIBUTES have been paid to a former chairman of Malvern Hills District Council following his funeral this week.

Bill Johns, who was awarded the Military Medal by King George VI for bravery during the Second World War, represented the Woodbury ward as an Independent on the former MHDC between 1980 and 1995.

He served on the administration and finance committee, chairing it for three years, the housing committee and northern area planning sub-committee, as well as holding the office of chairman of the council in 1990-91.

The current chairman, Coun Pat Raven, was among the senior past and present councillors who attended the funeral at Worcester Crematorium on Wednesday.

Paying tribute to his father, his son Geoff said: "As a sound source of counsel, he would always lend a hand or help in whichever way he could - he served his country, his people and family with absolute distinction - he will be remembered by many for a long time."

William Murray Johns was educated at Whitgift School and Kings College, London, and, when war came, he joined the Royal Engineers, achieving the rank of Lieutenant and serving in India, Burma and Germany.

After being discharged from the army, he returned to his studies at King's College and gained a degree in Civil Engineering. He specialised in pre-stressed concrete reinforcing systems and worked in Paris and London until 1957, when he emigrated to South Africa.

During his time in South Africa he served as a local authority councillor but his stay in the country ended in 1969 when his company brought him home. He retired ten years later.

Married, to Hazel, for 48 years, who he nursed during her illness until her death earlier this year, Mr Johns, who was 80, leaves two sons and five grandchildren.

The council's Corporate Director Kevin Douglas worked alongside Mr Johns and remembers a keen mind.

"Bill was very supportive of officers but would challenge and delve into their judgements and recommendations," he said, "Once satisfied on that score, he remained unreservedly supportive."