WELLINGTON mayor Andy Govier has paid tribute to a former long-serving town and borough councillor who has died.

Ernie Warren, who retired in 2007 after 36 years as a Wellington councillor, was first elected in 1971 onto the former Wellington Urban District Council and has served on Wellington Town Council after its formation following the local government re-organisation in 1974.

He was also a Taunton Deane Borough councillor from 1974 to 2003 and was the first Wellington mayor of Taunton Deane from 1980 to 1981.

Cllr Govier said: "Ernie was a true champion for the people of Rockwell Green and Wellington and a long-standing councillor serving the interests of local people.

"During his time on the council he achieved much and was well respected by his fellow councillors and members of the public.

"He always enjoyed a good joke and liked to tease the clerk during council meetings.

"He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Mr Warren was president of Wellington Carnival Committee, a former governor of Wellington School, and a supporter of Rockwell Green Village Hall.

On his retirement as a councillor, the town council presented a silver salver to Mr Warren to mark all his years of hard work.