FORMER Worcester Mayor and Councillor Peter Elkins has died at the age of 75 after a year-long battle with ill health.

Mr Elkins' ex-wife Sheila has paid tribute to the popular political stalwart, describing him as "quite a character who will be very much missed by everybody who knew him and was dearly loved by his family and friends".

Mr Elkins hit the headlines in 1990 after his shocking decision to quit as the city's Mayor - throwing Worcester into unprecedented civic chaos.

His announcement came just hours after the then Mayoress Annah Kontic also handed in her resignation - both had quit in anger at the refusal of the city council's controlling Labour group to give the Mayor a bigger hospitality allowance from public funds.

Mr Elkins had spent all the £7,180 yearly allowance and still had five months of office to serve but all the Labour group was willing to offer extra was a "small amount" to tide him over.

It was the first time in Worcester's civic history that a Mayor and Mayoress had quit in protest and Mr Elkins also left the city council after 10 years of service, as well as from the Labour Party after "a lifetime's membership".

However, a month after his shock resignation Mr Elkins controversially announced he planned to stay on the council, but as an independent councillor.

Understanding

When Mr Elkins gained his title of Mayor, he vowed to work in the interests of the "ordinary people" and wanted to recognise the unsung heroes of the city, installing "understanding, kindness and love" in every citizen.

A Londoner by birth, he first came to Worcester in 1959 working as an electrician and decided to stay.

He had a life-long interest in politics and strong socialist views, although he described himself as a "free thinker."

In his time he served as a councillor for the Nunnery Wood ward and worked at RSRE Malvern doing research before taking early retirement at the age of 60.

Yesterday, Mrs Elkins said her former husband "was a dear friend" with a very "colourful" past and was fondly regarded, particularly by The Salvation Army.

She said he passed away peacefully at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Saturday after a stroke two weeks before his death.

He leaves four daughters, Lucy, aged 42, Laura, 41, Camilla, 39, Harriet, 36 and one son Benedict, 31, as well as 10 grandchildren.

A Requiem Mass is due to take place at noon tomorrow at Worcester's St George's Catholic Church, followed by a private cremation.