A KIDDERMINSTER man who became known as the "walking mayor" because of his refusal to use the civic car has died at the age of 91.

Jim Bourke, a familiar face to many Kidderminster people, died on Monday at the Gables Nursing Home.

An Irishman and devoted member of the congregation at St Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Mr Bourke was mayor during 1981-1982 and a Liberal councillor representing Broadwaters from 1973 to 1986.

He was a colourful character and his daughter, Lillian Williams, of Castle Road, Cookley, said it was typical of the kind of man he was that during his time as mayor he refused to use the mayoral car.

She said: "He said he didn't want to use taxpayers' money to pay to keep a big car when he could just as easily walk."

During his time as mayor and councillor, Mr Bourke campaigned tirelessly for people living in the Horsefair, near to the family home in Broad Street. He was heavily involved with setting up a day centre in the area.

Mrs Williams said: "People were always knocking at the door asking if he could help them and I remember him always sitting down writing letters on people's behalf. He was very caring."

He was also remembered for his sense of humour. In one old Shuttle/Times & News report, he replied to rumours of his death with the memorable phrase: "I would like to point out I am not dead."

Mr Bourke came to England from his native Limerick and he and his late wife, Anne, settled in Kidderminster in 1956, where he worked for Victoria Carpets until retiring.

He remained in the Broad Street house until two years ago when he went into sheltered accommodation in Cookley.

He had suffered from ill health over the past year and died peacefully in his sleep at the nursing home.

He is survived by a daughter, a son and two grandchildren.