FAMILY, friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Clr Kevin Mannion, who has died aged 46, after a long illness.

Clr Mannion had represented Northwich Witton Ward on Vale Royal Borough Council since 1991 and was also a member of Northwich Town Council.

He was very active in other areas including working for Vale Royal CVS, as a school governor at St Nicholas' RC High School and Victoria Road Community School and a member of Vale Royal Disability Information Service, the advisory board at Northwich's Victoria Infirmary and the Cheshire Central Community Health Council.

Clr Bob Mather, Leader of Vale Royal Borough Council, said: "Kevin will be really missed.

"He was a tireless worker for every person he represented and for the Labour Party.

"He was devoted to serving the community and always made certain that any problems were fully investigated and resolved."

Northwich Town Mayor, Mel Slater said she was honoured to have known him.

"He had a great fondness for the people in the community and always tried to give them the best possible advice.

"Let us be thankful that we knew Kevin and not grieve for him, but celebrate the short time he had with us by making our lives more enriched for knowing him."

Arthur Neil, from the Council for Voluntary Services, said: "Despite his own long illness he brought a love of life and sense of determination to meetings and discussions.

"He will be remembered as a fighter who was determined to honour his pledge to make a difference. He did. He was much loved by so many people and organisations and will be sadly missed by us all.

Clr Mannion, who died in hospital, lived with his father John in Moreton Street, in Winnnington.

John said: "I just don't know what to say. I'm absolutely devatated. He was my rock."

The funeral takes place on Friday, January 26, at St Wilfrid's RC Church, in Witton Street, at noon, followed by interment at Witton Cemetery at 1pm.