TONY Lawrenson, of Northwich Town Council and Rudheath Parish Council, sadly passed away on Friday.

He was a popular and well-known figure in the town after serving on the parish council for more than 30 years.

During his career, he also served on Vale Royal and Cheshire West and Chester councils.

A lifelong fan of Witton Albion Football Club, Tony worked at ICI before opening his own healthy food business on Witton Street called Full of Beans.

He was also a member of Winsford Athletics Club and Weaver Vale Cycling Club.

“I knew Tony for a long time as a friend and a colleague,” said Alison Gerrard, Witton councillor for Northwich Town Council.

“He was a true gentleman and he worked hard in his roles as a councillor to serve the residents of Rudheath and Northwich.

“All of our thoughts are with his wife, Joyce, and with the whole family at this difficult time.”

Northwich Guardian:

Cllr Tony Lawrenson in 2014 alongside Cllr Alison Gerrard, former town clerk Lesley Moore, and former Cllr Brian Jamieson

Tributes were also paid by Northwich mayor Kevin Rimmer, who said that he was ‘absolutely heartbroken’ and shocked to hear the news.

“Not only was Tony an exceptional councillor, he was an equally exceptional man and one of the nicest that you will ever meet,” he said.

“It is yet another massive loss to the town council and Northwich as a whole, following the passing of Terry Murphy earlier this year.

“Those who knew Tony within the community knew that he always did his upmost for his residents, who held him in such high regard and esteem.

“He was a really down to earth man and he could not have served the town any better than he did.”

“I never heard a bad work about him within the community and he really will be sadly missed.”

Helen Rowlands, town councillor for Belmont, added: “Tony was a kind, gentle and hugely dedicated public servant.

“His warmth and good humour will be greatly missed by all of us who were fortunate to have worked with him to better the community and region he loved so much.”

Also paying homage to Tony was Mike Amesbury, Labour Parliamentary candidate for Weaver Vale.

He said: "Rudheath, Northwich and Cheshire has lost a great friend and champion for our community.

"Tony epitomised everything that is good about serving as a public servant, selflessly pursuing the interests of his constituents in the parish, town and borough over a thirty year period.

"My thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends, councillors and staff."