The father of Axminster Town Council Douglas Hull died this afternoon (Monday) after a long illness.

A life-long Liberal, Cllr Hull gained a seat on the old Axminster Rural Council representing his home village of Hawkchurch where he was active in the youth club and village hall committee as well as serving on the parish council.

When he put himself up for election to the rural council 87 per cent of the electorate in Hawkchurch voted for him.

He went on to serve the community in a number of roles including a seat on Devon County Council. During his last term at county hall he was elected as deputy chairman and when he finally stood down he was made an Honorary Alderman of the County.

He was the town council's longest serving member and served as mayor on three occasions. His wife Joy also served as mayor, the first husband and wife to be elected as First Citizens.

He was also a member of East Devon District Council.

Cllr Hull also served as curator of Axminster Museum for many years.

All the money he claimed as expenses for his council work was used to set up a committee to support children in the Axe Valley who suffered with dyslexia, as he did himself.

He was also a big supporter of Axminster Carnival and for many years led the procession with his famous hobbyhorse.

In a tribute to Cllr Hull, town councillor and former mayor Jeremy Walden said: "Douglas was a true friend of Axminster and whilst we may have had our disagreements, he was also a friend.

"We will never see his like again. He served more than 50 years on the town, district and county councils."