TRIBUTES were paid to former county councillor and health chair Peter Pinfield at a full council meeting last week.

Worcestershire councillors remembered Mr Pinfield at a full council meeting last Thursday (February 18).

The council's Labour group leader Robin Lunn said Mr Pinfield, who was himself leader in the late 90s and early 00s, had taken him under his wing when he first became a county councillor.

"Peter was far more than the positions he occupied," Cllr Lunn said. "He was Mr Droitwich. He was genuinely a very popular figure and fought passionately for the interests of those he represented. He was a kind man and generous with his time. Peter will be remembered not for the positions he held and the elections he won but for being a caring, dedicated, enthusiastic public servant who enhanced so many people's lives.

"For the many of us who knew him, let us just think of that intelligent, lively bundle of energy at full-flow in a council meeting and think of how he made things better."

Conservative councillor John Smith, cabinet member for health, said he was honoured to pay tribute to Mr Pinfield who died on January 29 aged 73.

"Peter had a very dedicated public service life and politics aside was an incredible champion for health matters locally and nationally," he said. "Peter was valued for his true and honest views and he will be sadly missed."

Mr Pinfield served as a councillor on Droitwich Spa Town Council, Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council for many years and was an Honorary Alderman of both Wychavon and Droitwich Spa.

Lib Dem group leader Cllr Liz Tucker said Mr Pinfield was a "very nice man" who "lived a life who was doing good to other people in a 100 different ways."

"I'm very thankful for him and it is very sad that he is still not with us."