COUNCILLORS have paid tribute former mayor and council leader John Millward, who died recently aged 84.

As previously reported, Mr Millward was a popular Bournemouth GP years before he became a Liberal councillor, representing West Southbourne.

In 1994-95, he served as mayor, with second wife Vicky as mayoress. On quitting the council in 2007 he was made an honorary alderman of the borough.

Addressing a full council meeting on Tuesday, mayor Lawrence Williams said: "Members of the council, I wish to move and trust you'll agree, that the council place on record its sincere appreciation of the service rendered by John Millward, and express to his family its regret, deepest sympathy and condolences in the sad loss they've suffered."

Members then stood in silence to pay their respects.

Cllr Williams represented the council at Mr Millward's funeral last month.