TRIBUTES have poured in for distinguished district councillor Steve Roberts who died suddenly on Friday.

Mr Roberts, 50, known as one of the most genuine members of the authority, collapsed and died after having lunch with a friend.

The former Kidderminster mayor was leader of the district Liberal Democrat group and represented Sutton Park ward on Wyre Forest District Council.

His mayoress and fellow councillor Helen Dyke said: "He was a wonderful person, so caring, generous and thoughtful.

"He was one of the nicest people you could wish to meet. We have had calls from councillors of all parties and they all said they couldn't recall having a cross word with him."

Mr Roberts was delivering leaflets for the forthcoming district council elections when he stopped for lunch at a friend's house.

After eating fish and chips - one of his favourite dishes - he collapsed. He died at the scene.

Being a councillor was in Mr Roberts's blood. His mother Vera, who died in 1995, represented Brinton Park ward on Hereford and Worcester County Council for 12 years.

Mr Roberts was elected to Oldington and Foley Park ward in 1979 and served Sutton Park ward from 1994. He was Kidderminster mayor in 1998-99.

He was head of business studies at Wheeler Lane Boys' Secondary School, Birmingham, before he took early retirement through stress last year.

Mrs Dyke said: "His early retirement enabled him to become more involved in council affairs.

"Even though he had a wealth of knowledge, he never used it to belittle other councillors. His main concern was representing his constituents.

"He was very active until the end and a took a lead in the successful campaign against a new McDonalds and the extension of hours at the Watermill pub."

Outside his community work the cheerful councillor had a passion for theatre and opera and only two weeks ago was thrilled to watch Liza Minnelli in concert.

Mr Roberts, who was single, leaves no immediate family.

A funeral date has yet to be announced.