FOND tributes have been paid to a man who was 'Northwich through and through' following his death on Thursday, aged 94.

Honorary Alderman Ron Carey represented the town on Cheshire County Council, Vale Royal Borough Council and Northwich Urban District Council for more than 35 years.

He served as chairman on both Cheshire County Council and Vale Royal Borough Council and was mayor of both Northwich Town Council and Northwich Urban District Council.

He was a recipient of the British Empire Medal, a Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire, a Justice of the Peace and a great friend to many.

Carey Park, in Northwich town centre, was named after him within his lifetime, something he was very proud of.

George Mainwaring, a former town and county councillor and former mayor of Northwich, said: "He was like my mentor, I took his place for eight years on Cheshire County Council when he retired and there was a strong bond between us.

"Ron used to say 'Honorary Alderman Ron Carey, British Empire Medal, Deputy Lieutenant and JP retired – not bad for an engine driver'.

"He was a friend to everybody, Ron, and very active for local people.

"He was Northwich through and through and lots of people would stop and talk to Ron.

"He will be sadly missed."

Ron grew up in Norley before moving to Rudheath.

His dad worked on the railways and Ron followed suit for 45 years, spending 35 of them as an engine driver.

John Hulme, Northwich resident and vice chairman of Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association, said: “Having known Ron for more than 50 years, I know he has offered a helping hand to so many people in Northwich in so many different ways.

"As a retired railwayman, he has always supported our events on the Mid Cheshire Line, especially at Northwich Railway Station where he worked, and has been an invaluable source of information on the good old days.

"He will be sadly missed by his many friends and colleagues."

Ron supported Northwich Victoria FC and played for them in his youth before managing their second team.

He was a school governor at Rudheath High School, worked hard for The Petty Pool Trust and was an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Northwich.

Cllr Alison Gerrard, Northwich town mayor, said: "Ron Carey was a lovely man who touched many people's lives.

"He spent his life in serving the residents of Northwich and the magnitude of his achievements was summed up when Carey Park was named after him.

"My heartfelt sympathy goes to his family and friends and I know he will be sadly missed."

His funeral will take place at St Helen's Church at 12.45pmon Thursday, February 19, followed by a service at Vale Royal Crematorium at 1.45pm.