TRIBUTES have been flooding in for a leading light of Alcester who died last week aged 69.

Jim Howarth, of Gerard Road, suffered a stroke and died in hospital last Tuesday.

He leaves a widow, Joan, two sons and three grandchildren.

The Lancashire-born family man became High Bailiff in 1974, the year in which he started the first medieval market in the town and instigated the twinning of Alcester and Vallet, the association of which he was chairman from 1975-1991 and later became life president.

As a special tribute to Mr Howarth, people from the French twin town are expected to attend his funeral, which takes place at 1.30pm on Friday at St Nicholas' Church.

Mr Howarth was heavily involved with many societies and organisations until his death, taking up roles such as master of Alauna Lodge and president of the Rotary Club and Stratford Operatic Society.

His wife said: "Jim was also a governor at Alcester Grammar School and we ran the Old Time Music Hall which raised hundreds of pounds and was wonderfully successful."

She also said he was involved with Studley and Redditch operatic societies, Alcester Singers and was a member of the British Legion, as well as being instrumental in the setting up of the Ordre des Chevaliers Bretvins.

Mrs Howarth added: "He was a real friendly northerner who had a wonderful life.

"I had 42 wonderful years with him - he was my soulmate and I am heartbroken.

"But my family is here with me - our two sons, Christopher, 40, and Jonathon, 35, are so much like him, and we have our three grandchildren, Richard, 12, Rebecca, 10 and Timothy, seven.

"They are all keen musicians and are following in Jim's footsteps, keeping the flag flying for him.

"There is also the support from our extended family in France, the Barre family, who we have known for 23 years."

The family has requested donations in memory of Mr Howarth can be made to the Alcester Singers Young Musicians Competition, a trust which is being set up.