TRIBUTES have been paid to a Dudley veteran who has died, aged 90.

Gordon Willetts, who served in the 7th battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment in India from 1944 to 1948, passed away last week following a period of ill-health.

He leaves behind a wife, three children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Mohammed Hanif, has led tributes to Mr Willetts, who was secretary of the Dudley branch of the Worcester and Sherwood Forester Regiment Association.

He said: “It is with great sadness to hear that Gordon had recently been unwell and passed away last week.

"Gordon was a true gentleman who worked tirelessly for many years to support the efforts of those that had served in conflict – both past and present.

“He was a great friend to the council and someone that was admired and respected by all those who worked with him.

“He dedicated many hours of his time to support civic and community events including Battle of Britain, Armistice, Remembrance Sunday and Armed Forces Day.

"His passion and commitment were commendable."

Cllr Hanif also praised Mr Willetts for being "instrumental" in securing thousands of pounds worth of funding to build the new cenotaph in Dudley's Coronation Gardens, Ednam Road, a few years ago.

"Together, with his fellow colleagues, Gordon has provided a long term monument where local people can pay their respects to the fallen," he said.

“On behalf of everyone at Dudley Council, I would like to give our condolences to Gordon’s family and friends. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.”

Dudley North MP Ian Austin, who introduced Mr Willetts to the then prime minister, Gordon Brown, during Armed Forces Week celebrations at Downing Street in 2009, added: "Gordon was a great man who served his country and our community with distinction, and someone I was proud to know and count as a friend.

"He played a huge role in commemorating the bravery of those who sacrificed themselves for our country, playing a key role in Remembrance Day events and helping organise the appeal that funded the memorial at Coronation Gardens.

"On a personal note, I’ll never forget his kindness to me."

Mr Willetts was also a member of the Dudley branch of the Royal British Legion, a member of the Royal Air Force Association and president of the 347 ATC Squadron.

His funeral will take place at 12.20pm, next Friday (November 4) at Gornal Wood Crematorium.