Tributes after death of ex-mayor

Tributes were today paid to a former mayor of Market Drayton who has died suddenly, aged 74.

Barry Pitt suffered a stroke at his home in Prospect Road, Market Drayton, on August 27 and died at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital on Monday.

Mr Pitt was mayor of Market Drayton in 2001, a town councillor for eight years and former chairman of Drayton Civic Society.

He helped set up Market Drayton Town Council's Arlon twinning sub-committee and was a governor of the town's Grove School for 12 years. Mr Pitt, who was born in Manchester, was made an honorary townsman in April and is survived by his wife of 46 years Sarah, three children and three grandchildren.

Mrs Pitt said her husband had touched "so many lives" during his time in the town.

She said: "We moved to Market Drayton in 1970 and it was going to be for five years - but 39 years later, we're still here and a lot of that is due to the people we've met in the town." Market Drayton mayor Roy Aldcroft said Mr Pitt was a good friend and was, as mayor, an "outstanding representative of our community" whose gentle humour would be missed by everyone he worked with in the town.

He said: "His passing is a sad loss to the town, our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."

A thanksgiving service for Mr Pitt will take place at St Mary's Church, Market Drayton, on September 11 at 2pm.