Tributes paid to former Ellesmere mayor

Brian Knight was also a district and county councillor and took up the role of mayor of Ellesmere on two occasions.

Mr Knight was still a town councillor when he died following a lengthy illness on Sunday, aged 72.

Jan, his wife of 47 years, said her husband would be sorely missed within the community.

She said: "I couldn't have wished for a better husband.

"Everyone in Ellesmere knew him and he raised thousands of pounds for charity during his time as mayor. When he was first elected he raised enough money for a mini-bus for elderly people living in the town. On the second occasion he donated medical equipment to the local hospital.

"He always fancied being a councillor and the people of Ellesmere will miss him very much.

"He was still on the council right up until he died."

Mr Knight was born in Dudley but moved to Nesscliffe in Shropshire after marrying and later to Gobowen and finally Ellesmere.

He worked as a dairy farmer and also in the production sector at Kelloggs while serving in local government.

Councillor Alan Clarke, current mayor of Ellesmere, said: "He was one of those people who was very respectful of the mayor's office, having been mayor himself.

"He was always proper about the way he addressed the council.

"On one occasion we had a potential disagreement. Rather than bring it out into the castle he asked to see me privately to sort it out so it didn't embarrass anyone.

"He played an acting role in being the peace maker. There had been occasions where we crossed swords on different things as he enjoyed debating.

"When I was mayor 10 years ago I made him an honorary townsperson for his long service on the council."

The funeral will be held at St Mary's Church in Ellesmere on Tuesday, from 1pm.

A further service will be held in the town council offices where donations will be taken for prostate cancer research.