TRIBUTES have been paid to the ‘heartbeat’ of the town council, who sadly died on Friday aged 78.

Brian Jamieson, who served in several governing roles including at Northwich Town Council, the Russett School and Vale Royal Borough Council, has been hailed as a passionate community champion for his work across more than 40 years.

Earlier this month, the town council dedicated its NALC ‘Council of the Year’ award to Brian in recognition of his longstanding contribution.

Cllr Sam Naylor first met Brian on the Russet School’s board of governors in 2002, and they also sat on the town council together in recent years.

He said “He was without any shadow of a doubt the heartbeat of the town council in terms of organised councillors as far as the agenda and making sure proceedings were conducted on a professional level.

“He had tremendous insight of what was on the horizon and seeing issues that would be facing the council, and acting appropriately.

“He was a big family man, who loved his holidays on the Greek islands and was just a good all-round person in many, many ways.

“He will be very sadly missed and he has left a big pair of boots to fill.”

Brian campaigned for many years for Labour in west Cheshire, and was a driving force for Weaver Vale MP’s Mike Amesbury victory in the 2017 general election.

Mike said: “Brian was a man who was absolutely passionate about Northwich and it was clear to anyone who met him just how much he loved his town.

“He served the town council with distinction and the fact it was recently named Council of the Year was in no small part down to Brian and is a fitting tribute to his legacy.

“Brian was also an absolute stalwart of the local Labour party and had a passionate commitment to social justice.

“Not only will his loss will be felt by everyone who knew him personally, but also much further afield, in the Labour party and in Northwich. He will be sadly missed.”

Brian's family has asked the Guardian to share details of his funeral arrangements.

The service will take place at 10.45am on Wednesday, December 12 at Vale Royal Crematorium.

This will be followed by family burial at Gorstage cemetery, and a wake at The Oakland's Hotel, Gorstage.

There will be family flowers only, and donations to Mesothelioma UK and St Lukes Hospice are welcome. There is no dress code.

The funeral directors are Nagle Brothers of Acton Bridge.