TRIBUTES have been paid to former Northwich Town Mayor Harold Fletcher who died on March 1 at the age of 91.

Mr Fletcher moved to Park Street in Castle, in 1954 and he quickly become a well-known face in the area. He lived there until his death.

He ran the newsagents on the corner of Park Street and Chester Road for 25 years, which was when he developed an interest in politics, serving a term as Town Mayor in 1975 and as chairman of Vale Royal district in 1979.

Pat Healey, his eldest daughter, said: "He was a smashing dad.

"He ran the newsagents until he was 65 and was very well known - that's a lot of paper boys through the years.

"He was still at the shop when he became interested in politics, which he loved."

After he retired, Harold devoted his time to his favourite hobbies of sketching, painting and reading.

Robert Healey, his son-in-law, said: "He had a smashing life - really full of interests and fun.

"He was a good man."

Harold leaves Ruth, his wife of 64 years, three children, Patricia, Ian and Claire, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.