THE man who helped mastermind the formation of Wychavon District Council by the merger of Evesham Borough Council, Evesham and Pershore Rural District Councils and Droitwich Borough and Rural District Councils, Pat Rust has died aged 76.

Mr Rust, who lived at Elmley Castle, joined the council as chief executive in 1973 ready for the official launch the following year, and remained until his retirement in 1990. During his time at the council, and as the district's Returning Officer at elections, he was invited to Zimbabwe to observe the elections there.

He was awarded the MBE before taking early retirement after clocking up 47 years in local government, starting with a post of acting temporary junior clerk with Gloucester Borough Council.

During his time at Wychavon he held high office with the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives - the first district council chief executive to be made president - and the Institute of Burials and Cremations.

Sid Pritchard, managing director of Wychavon, said: "Pat had a remarkable career in local government, where he achieved so much.

Staff and members who worked with him are deeply saddened at the news of his death and our thoughts go out to his family at this time."

Mr Rust, who suffered from Parkinson's disease, died in hospital on Sunday.

A private family service will take place at St Mary's Church, Elmley Castle, at 11am on Monday, followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at 3pm.

Donations in lieu of flowers will be for the Parkinson's Disease Society and should be sent to E Hill and Son, Funeral Directors, Fairfield House, Defford Road, Pershore.