TRIBUTES have been paid to former Christchurch Mayor Cllr Nick Geary who died on Friday. He was described as "true champion" of Christchurch.

Cllr Geary served on the old Christchurch Borough Council in two spells from 1999 to 2019.

Then he was elected onto the new BCP Council in 2019, representing the Highcliffe and Walkford ward.

Bournemouth Echo: Cllr Nick Geary and his wife, Cllr Gillian GearyCllr Nick Geary and his wife, Cllr Gillian Geary

His death was announced at the annual Civic Service in the Priory on Sunday.

The current Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Avril Coulton told Echo: "This very sad news. He was a true champion for the borough over many years and will be much missed."

She added: "He will be remembered by many with great affection."

Cllr Paul Hilliard, leader of the Christchurch Independents group on BCP Council, of which Cllr Geary was a member said: "He was a great public servant and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him on Christchurch Borough and on BCP.

"He was terrific fun and brought his own unique sense of humour to the mayoralty. Most of all was a lovely man."

Bournemouth Echo: Cllr Nick Geary and Cllr Lesley DedmanCllr Nick Geary and Cllr Lesley Dedman

As well as his political life Cllr Geary was also dedicated to his engineering firm in the Fairmile which he owned and ran for many years.

His widow Gillian was also a Christchurch councillor and served with him for four years.

At the civic event attended by around 200 people, associate curate Rev Richard Partridge gave thanks for Cllr Geary's service the borough.

MP Sir Christopher Chope described him as "Christchurch through and through.

He added: "He gave great service over a long period and showed steadfast loyalty to the borough when the issue of reorganisation arose.

"He was also a very accomplished engineer and clockmaker."

Cllr Geary passed away in Royal Bournemouth Hospital.