"IT is Lymm's loss. He really was Mr Lymm".

The tribute paid to Alan Ball who died earlier this month.

A former parish and borough council, Mr Ball, aged 74, was a well known figure in the village.

Former colleague and current parish and borough councillor Sheila Woodyatt said Mr Ball, who had been ill for some time, would be missed.

She added: "It is so sad because he has been Mr Lymm.

"He was such a cheerful person and he always had a smile on his face.

"He was a great family man and he served Lymm so well. It is a loss, not only to his family, but it is also Lymm's loss."

"He was closely involved in community life, not just with the politics, but as the founder of Lymm Twin Town Society and in the British Legion."

And Clr Ian Marks said: "I knew Alan as a friend, a neighbour, a fellow parish councillor and through business.

"We have lost one of our local characters and Lymm will not be the same without him.

"He was a delight to be with and he lived life to the full.

"Over the years, he contributed to many organisations in the village and his contribution will be greatly missed.

"Until his illness he was a huge help to the parish council as our adviser on footpaths. He fulfilled this task with great dedication and of course, humour.

"Our hearts go out in sympathy to his widow, Audrey, and their children and grandchildren."

Latterly Mr Ball had acted as footpath warden for the parish council.

His funeral took place at St Peter's Church in Oughtrington last Wednesday. He leaves wife Audrey , three sons and grandchildren.

gdunning@guardiangrp.co.uk