SIR – It was with great sadness that I learnt of the death of my old colleague, Les Thomas.

I was his deputy when he was mayor in 1996-1997. We had both been elected on to Worcester City Council in 1992, which was his second term and we always worked well together. He was so genuine and warmhearted with a superb sense of humour. His love of children and animals showed when he was mayor.

Children from Ronkswood joined in the civic procession and his charity for the year was Worcester Animal Rescue Shelter.

Despite political allegiance he always put people first and did what he thought was right. He successfully fought to save green fields in Ronkswood from development. These fields are now officially recognised as Newtown Green.

I remain eternally grateful to him for supporting me when as a rookie councillor I opposed plans by the Labour group to sell part of Cripplegate Park to a supermarket giant.

Thanks Les. Worcester has lost a great man.

MARGARET LAYLAND, Worcester.