East Devon District Council has paid tribute to the late Douglas Hull, ahead of his funeral this week.

Alderman Hull was one of East Devon's longest serving local councillors, holding a series of elected offices over a period of more than 50 years.

Known as 'Mr Axminster', he was a much-loved councillor who sincerely held his constituents close to his heart, said deputy council leader Eileen Wragg.

Cllr Wragg said that Alderman Hull "could be seen as flamboyant, even eccentric at times, but what was not in doubt was the compassion and empathy that he had for others".

She added: "The changes which he helped to bring about in Axminster and beyond are testament to that. His speeches at all levels of local government made others listen, and were passionate and heartfelt.

"His colleagues are already missing Douglas, but the people who will feel the loss of his presence most are his beloved residents of Axminster.

"Douglas and his cherished wife, Joy, had no children, and they considered the Axminster community as their family. What a fitting tribute it would be to honour them both, perhaps by naming one of their achievements as a permanent memorial."

A former Mayor of Axminster, Alderman Hull served at different times on Hawkchurch Parish Council, Axminster Rural District Council, Axminster Town Council, East Devon District Council where he was made an Honorary Alderman in December 2019, and Devon County Council, where he was also an Honorary Alderman, and a former vice-chairman.

Cllr Andrew Moulding, who represents Axminster on East Devon District Council, said: "Of all the things he achieved, the one of which he was most proud was the establishment of the Millwey Industrial Estate, without which Axminster would be a much less prosperous and viable community. Axminster has lost one of its longest-serving supporters."

Alderman Hull also worked tremendously hard for local charities and some of the money he raised he used to set up a group to help children who suffered from dyslexia, as he did himself.

His funeral will take place this Friday (June 12) and Axminster residents, although unable to attend the services, are expected to line Trinity Square at 1pm as the hearse passes.