TRIBUTES have been paid to former leader of Dudley Council and long-serving Stourbridge councillor Jack Edmonds OBE who has passed away.

Mr Edmonds served as a Conservative councillor for Norton for over 40 years and led Dudley Council in the early nineties.

He was made an honourary Alderman for services to the borough and was credited with helping to bring Merry Hill to Brierley Hill.

Councillors paid tribute to Mr Edmonds at full council this week, where his dedication to the borough and generosity was celebrated.

Cllr David Stanley said: "I remember him with a lot of gratitude for what he did for me, the authority and Stourbridge."

Paying his respects on Twitter, Dudley South MP Mike Wood said: "Really sorry to learn of the death of Ald Jack Edmonds OBE, Norton councillor for many years and former Leader of Dudley Council. He was a lovely man who patiently shared his experience with me when I first got joined Stourbridge Conservatives. He will be greatly missed by many."

Stourbridge MP Margot James added: "Jack was a Stourbridge stalwart who was a councillor in Norton for many years. He will be greatly missed, and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."