TRIBUTES have been paid to former Ferndown mayor Pat Young, who died last week.

Mr Young, who served as a councillor in the town and was twice mayor, died aged 77 after a protracted illness.

Leading the tributes, current Ferndown mayor Cllr Lesley Dedman said: “Through all his time on the town council Pat served the residents of Ferndown tirelessly. He was a knowledgeable councillor who wore his experience lightly and with good humour.

“Pat was always happy to show new councillors the ropes, as I myself can attest, having received his support on so many occasions.”

Pat ran a building firm and worked with deadly asbestos, which may have eventually caused his illness.

Towards the end of his life he was in and out of hospital but he faithfully attended council meetings until his final months.

He is pictured in his motorised wheelchair at Ferndown’s Poppy Appeal launch last November, which he insisted on attending, even popping into the Legion for a couple of whiskies afterwards.

Cllr Dedman said: “From his earliest years on the council until latterly when his health started to fail, Pat attended all meetings and council events, working hard for the town.

“We have all become used to seeing his smiling face at celebrations throughout the final years. Pat will be sorely missed, but his spirit will live on at our council meetings and throughout Ferndown.”

His funeral takes place at St Mary’s Church, Ferndown, on Tuesday, with a private cremation to follow.

He is survived by two sons, a daughter and grandchildren.