TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'shining, passionate star' as a Northwich gateway is named after him.

Northwich Railway Station's booking hall will be named after Honorary Alderman Ron Carey, a railwayman who became a leading light on the councils of Northwich and Cheshire and a Deputy Lieutenant of the county.

Ron, who lived in Malpas Road but grew up by the railway in Mouldsworth, died on February 5 aged 94.

St Helen's Church, in Northwich, was full for his funeral on Thursday, February 19.

John Hulme, vice chairman of Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association and a member of the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership, announced that the hall would be named after his friend.

"Ron was one of the last Mid Cheshire Line railwaymen who worked out of Northwich and started his career with the Cheshire Lines Committee in 1937.

"While this is a tribute to a well respected railwayman, it will also be a reminder of what Ron achieved for our town as a local councillor for 38 years.

"Visitors arriving and departing Northwich by train will now be reminded of Ron and I know that his family are very pleased with this gesture.”

Sally Buttifant, community rail officer for the Mid Cheshire Line, said: “Ron was a real gentleman and the rail world has lost a shining, passionate star.

"Remembering him at Northwich Railway Station will be a lasting legacy to what Ron achieved for the Mid Cheshire Line, his town and county.”

Alex Hynes, managing director for Northern Rail, said: “Northern Rail is extremely proud to remember Ron as a railwayman and also for what he achieved for Northwich and Cheshire."

Cllr Alison Gerrard, mayor of Northwich, said: "Everyone who passes through the railway station will be reminded that it is people like Ron that make the community tick.

"It is a tribute to a fine gentleman who has achieved so much for the town and its people."

Clive Steggel, from the Rotary Club of Northwich, said: "Ron was an Honorary Rotarian and we all admired Ron’s qualities and achievements for Northwich.

"He was always proud of being an engine driver and remembering him at the station will be a very opportune lasting reminder of Ron’s contribution to our town.”