FLAGS are flying at half-mast on district council buildings in tribute to Mr Roberts.

Authority leader Mike Oborski said his sudden and untimely death was a devastating blow to the council.

He said: "He was dedicated to the interests of the people of Sutton Park which he represented so well.

"He was a man of undoubted principle and absolute integrity.

"Above all, he cared about people and respected differing opinions and outlooks. He was totally committed to public service."

Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor stressed Mr Roberts's standing as an effective councillor was reflected by Health Concern's decision not to stand against him.

He said: "He was genuine, straight and approachable.

"I admired him for the calm and effective way he got on quietly with his job.

"He was not one of these councillors who shouted things from the rooftops and I respected him all the more for that."

Mr Roberts was due to stand for re-election in the Sutton Park ward on May 2.

That ward's election has been postponed and will be held on a date to be fixed.