Tributes to former parish councillor Peter Searles

Newport businessman and former parish councillor Peter Searles has died, aged 77.

Mr Searles was well-known in both Edgmond and Newport having been active in the community from 1968 to 1986 before moving to Spain.

He passed away on November 30 after a long battle with cancer.

Mr Searles was due to be buried in Spain today. A thanksgiving service will be held in Edgmond in June.

Family friend Derek Tremayne paid tribute to a 'community-spirited man'. He said: "He was an enthusiastic man who enjoyed getting involved in local life. The last few years have been an uphill struggle.

"A lot of people in the community knew him and he will be missed."

Mr Searles, his wife Margaret and sons Mark and Tim moved to Edgmond from London in 1968 after being transferred by his employer Silhouette to run its Shrewsbury factory.

He quickly took to village life and played for Edgmond Cricket Club and The Lion pub's football team as well as becoming a parish councillor.

He was also a member of Newport Rugby Club, Newport and District Agricultural Society, the Rotary Club of Newport and Probus.

Mr Searles's children, meanwhile, attended Newport Junior School and Adams' Grammar while Mrs Searles was a member of Edgmond WI.

Mr and Mrs Searles moved to Spain in 1986 before returning to the UK to start a new business in Watford.They eventually retired to Spain.