A FORMER councillor, who devoted his life to helping others, has died of lung cancer.

Cyril Taylor was 68.

The former Mayor of Macclesfield leaves wife May, two daughters and two grandchildren.

"He was a kind and caring man who was always there for his family and the community," said Cyril's daughter Susan yesterday (Tuesday.)

"Villagers were always popping round and he would offer them advice on anything - not just council matters."

Cyril, who had been ill for some time, loved motorbikes.

During his life, he rode them in 17 films, including Reds - a movie starring Diane Keaton and Warren Beatty.

During an interview with the Knutsford Guardian in 1996, Cyril recalled filiming scenes in Helsinki.

"It was freezing," he said. "I had to drive on the cobblestones and the vibrations made my teeth chatter just as much as the cold."

Cyril served his National Service with the Royal Engineers.

He later ran Plumley Smithy until 1977.

But it is his work on Plumley parish and Macclesfield Borough Council that most people will remember him for.

In all, he spent more than 40 years in local government and was elected Mayor of Macclesfield in 1976.

He held office again in 1977 and attended two garden parties at Buckingham Palace.

Cyril left the borough council in 1984 to be chairman of Plumley Parish Council.

"It was in his nature to help people and he loved to serve the villagers in the community," said Susan.

His funeral will be held at Lower Parish Church tomorrow (Thursday) at 2pm and will be followed by interment in the churchyard.

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