TOUCHING tributes have been paid to former long-serving Labour councillor and town mayor Ken Somner, who has died aged 85.

Mr Somner died suddenly on Thursday night after being taken ill at a meeting of Redditch Co-operative Homes, of which he was chairman.

A hugely respected figure in the town, Mr Somner was also a founder member of Church Hill Residents' Association and the Marlfield Barn Project.

His son John said: "He will be sadly missed by all the family and many people in Redditch who had reason to thank him for all his efforts on their behalf."

Mr Somner was born in Redditch and attended St Stephen's School before taking a job at the Royal Enfield factory at 14.

He later went to work for engineering giant BSA, where he met his first wife, Irene Taylor.

The outbreak of the Second World War separated the newly married couple as Mr Somner was posted to India and Ceylon with the RAF.

At the end of the war, Mr Somner returned to Redditch but with a young family to support, he uprooted to Middlesborough to work as a production engineer for a large ship building firm.

Years later, the family moved to Essex, where Mr Somner worked for the Ford motor company but the death of his father in 1975 hailed their return to Redditch.

John said his father was delighted to be elected onto the town council representing the newly established Church Hill ward and was proud to serve as mayor in 1993.

He sat on many committees during his time on the council, including housing, planning and licensing.

His service with the council ended in 2003 when he decided to stand down.

Fellow Labour councillor Albert Wharrad remembered his colleague fondly.

"He was a very active and valuable councillor for the Labour group. You could always depend on his loyalty and support," said Mr Wharrad.

Always an active member of the community, Mr Somner was also chairman of Redditch Carnival committee for many years and was heavily involved with the town branches of the Royal British Legion and Age Concern.

He celebrated many happy years of marriage with Irene, having four children and eight grandchildren.

She died in 1982 but some years later, Mr Somner married Jean and they enjoyed 17 years together.

Mr Somner's sister, Iris Clingan, recently recommended him for the Queen's Honours list with the backing of former mayor Madge Tillsley MBE, former councillor Tom Wareing and MP Jacqui Smith.

Ms Smith said: "Ken was a great example to us all. He stayed active throughout his life, serving the community and supporting causes that were close to his heart.

''His commitment to fairness and social justice was a thread running through all that he did.

"My heart goes out to his family. He will be a big loss to them, he will also be a great loss to the town."

The funeral will be held on Monday at Abbey Cemetery Chapel at 3pm.

Donations can be made to Age Concern through Thomas Brothers Funeral Directors.