TRIBUTES have been paid to a community stalwart who served as a Cuddington parish councillor for 37 years.

Peter Smith, who was elected onto the parish council in 1970 and served for a spell as chairman during his 37-year stint, has died at the age of 88.

He was a founding member of Cuddington and Sandiway Tennis Club and in 2008, received the mayoral award for endeavour in the community for his services to the club.

Parish council clerk, Julie Chrimes, says Peter took immense pride in all the work he put into the community, being instrumental in setting up the table tennis club and bonfire nights.

“If you asked him he would say, ‘I never meant to get involved it just happened that way’”, Julie said.

"He was an absolutely fantastic guy who did a great job.

"He had a great sense of humour and was always willing to help others.

“He will be very sadly missed by everyone that knew him.

"On behalf of the parish council, I offer our sincere condolences to his son and daughter, Tony and Margaret.”

Peter Smith helped set up the Norley Road sport club in the late fifties when the two existing courts were refurbished and under his leadership and extra two courts were built.

He went on to become chairman of the village’s Playing Fields Association and played a key part in improving the children’s play area.

The grandad to Chris, Natalie and Shaun was described as ‘an active member of the village’.

He could be found replacing the Christmas tree lights at the church or clearing up the railway station.

He was also a parent-governor at Weaverham High School and chairman of the school’s Parent Teacher Association.