IT was a political career that will live long in the memory : 44 years of dedicated public service that made Mike Layland.

'Mr Worcester', who died last week aged 81, packed so much into his fascinating life that it was hard to know where to start, leafing through this newspaper's dusty old archives.

But these images, carefully selected from more than four decades of photography, give you a glimpse into the life and times of one of Worcester's most colourful characters.

It comes as more tributes poured in over the weekend, with people from all sections of society keen to pay their respects to the ex-councillor, who was handed the ultimate city accolade as a Freeman of Worcester in 2014.

Conservative Councillor Derek Prodger, a long-term friend, said: "It's very sad news indeed.

"He'd had heart surgery some time ago and all of us thought he'd been in good health for quite some years to come.

"I shall remember Mike with fondness, we enjoyed a real camaraderie, especially on the planning committee."

Another long-serving city politician, Labour Councillor Roger Berry, said: "I knew Mike throughout his career and had a great deal of respect for him.

"I was very sorry to see him leave the Labour Party - his service to the city is probably unrivalled by any modern politicians."

Among the many members of the public to write in was Colin Helmer, 51, of Warndon, who called him "a great man".

"He'd do anything for you - I don't think Mike was ever prepared to say 'no', that's why people genuinely thought the world of him," he said.

Steve Newnham wrote in to say: "Mike was a fabulous character, whom I had the pleasure of being a part of my life when I married his niece, Rebecca.

"He will be sadly missed, but his memories and principles will live on."

Mr Layland was Mayor of Worcester twice, the last high sheriff in 1973/74, city chamberlain in 1972/73 and a councillor for all but two years from 1966 to 2012, first for Labour before becoming an independent from 1994.