TRIBUTE has been paid to a former Mayor of Stockton Borough Council who has died.

Brian Hodgson, who was a councillor for more than 20 years, passed away on Thursday, February 6.

Councillor Bob Cook, the leader of Stockton Council, said: "Brian Hodgson was passionate about the Borough and worked tirelessly for the people who lived here. He was well known and loved in the Roseworth ward and also represented the whole Borough in his role as chairman of the environment committee and as Mayor. We will miss him and thank him for his huge contribution to the Borough.”

Mr Hodgson was a member of Stockton Borough Council from 1973 to 1995 and was made an Honorary Alderman in 2000. He represented the Roseworth ward and was Mayor of Stockton in 1982/83. He was also Chairman of Environment Committee between 1984 and 1987. Alongside his roles at the Council he worked at Stockton Transport and then at British Steel.

His funeral will take place on Tuesday, February 25 at 12.30pm at Stockton Parish Church followed by a service at Middlesbrough Crematorium at 1.30pm. His family have asked for donations in place of flowers to The Salvation Army c/o 25 Crayke Road, Stockton.