DUDLEY Labour Party members have paid tribute to former council leader, Mayor and party stalwart Fred Hunt.

The death of the former Mayor of Dudley, who represented Lye and Wollescote ward from 1973 to 2002, has been described as “the end of an era” and a “huge loss” to the communities he served.

Fred, who was council leader for many years as well as Mayor for the year 1999 to 2000, was also an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Dudley - an honour he received in gratitude for his many years of service.

Dudley News: Former Mayor Fred Hunt pictured with Dr Roy Richardson and Alderman and former Cllr Jack Edmonds (seated)Former Mayor Fred Hunt pictured with Dr Roy Richardson and Alderman and former Cllr Jack Edmonds (seated) (Image: Dudley Council)

Councillor Qadar Zada, Dudley Labour Group leader, said: ‘’Fred Hunt was a stalwart of the Labour Party, giving almost 40 years dedicated and loyal service to the party and his constituents.

“Fred successfully led the council for 14 years, including the financially challenging years when the Conservatives were in government.

“Fred had also long wanted to be Mayor for the Millenium, and he carried out his mayoral duties with dignity, authority, wisdom and good humour.”

He said the death of Fred, who was 92, was “a huge loss to the communities in Lye and Wollescote and the wider borough that he served and which he continued to serve up until his sad passing”.

Cllr Zada added: “This included chairing the Miners Welfare Charity for many years as well as being chair of Stourbridge Age Concern.

‘’Fred’s passing truly represents the end of an era and he will be deeply missed by all, including his widow Mavis and the family, who are currently in our thoughts and prayers.”

A funeral service for Fred will be held on Friday June 30 at 2.50pm at Stourbridge Crematorium, South Road, and it will be followed by a wake at the Beech Tree Miners Club, Wassell Road, Wollescote.