TRIBUTES poured in this week following the death at the age of 44 of devoted husband and father of two Bill Little.

Mr Little was a keen magician, played the guitar, loved to paint and learned to swim several years ago so he could take a dip with his children.

He was also a dedicated campaigner for the people he represented for more than a decade on Biddulph Town Council and the Moorlands district council.

Mr Little, who lived in Biddulph, died on Thursday after a 10-month battle with cancer.

He worked for the Benefits Agency in Hanley, and leaves a wife and teenage son and daughter.

"This is a tragic loss for Bill's family and friends,'' said Christina Jebb, who succeeded him as Liberal Democrat group leader on the Moorlands council when his cancer was diagnosed last May.

"He was a devoted husband and father, as well a young man of great integrity, a talented politician, and a strong campaigner for local people.''

Mr Little represented Biddulph South on the town council and Moorlands council since 1983 and 1987 respectively.

"He was a close personal and political friend, and will be sadly missed,'' said Mr Little's town council colleague John Redfern.

His funeral is tomorrow, Friday, at 11am at Biddulph Methodist Church.

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