FAMILY and friends and politicians from across the political divide turned out in force to pay their last respects to popular former Stourbridge councillor Colin Wilson at his funeral today (Monday May 16).

Mr Wilson, who was a councillor for Pedmore and Stourbridge East for a decade, died on April 27 at Hollycroft Nursing Home in Redhill – a few weeks after he suffered a massive stroke.

Tributes flooded in as news broke of the unexpected death of the 74-year-old former chairman of Stourbridge Conservative Association who was described as “an outstanding councillor and colleague” by Dudley South Conservative MP and friend Mike Wood and "a very kind man and absolutely lovely to work with" by Conservative MP Margot James, whom he helped to victory in the Stourbridge General Election battle in 2010.

Both MPs were among the mourners at his funeral at St Mary’s Church, Oldswinford, which saw friends, relatives and colleagues from across the country turn out to say their last goodbyes.

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Dudley - Councillors Steve Waltho and Mohammed Hanif - and leader of Dudley Council, Councillor Pete Lowe, also attended the poignant service which included a eulogy by lifelong friend Roy Patterson who said: "Colin was a true gentleman, a loyal friend and good neighbour - and he'll be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Mr Wilson, who leaves a wife Helen, son Andrew, and two young grandsons - Thomas and James, moved to England as a young boy - having been born in India in 1942.

He developed a love of sport as a schoolboy and enjoyed a long career as a civil engineer, running his own business for 24 years.

In his later years he became politically active - after John Major lost his premiership to Tony Blair.

Rather than moan about the state of the Conservative Party, he decided to do his bit to help and became a councillor for Pedmore and Stourbridge East - a seat he held for ten years before stepping down in 2014.

During his time on Dudley Council he was a popular chairman of the planning committee and vice chairman of the old Stourbridge Area Committee.

But after a health scare he decided to quit the council chamber to spend more time with his family and indulge his passion for sport and holidays.

Mr Wilson, from Pedmore, remained an active member of Stourbridge Conservative Association though - and was deputy vice-chairman of Pedmore Conservatives until his death.

He was also a much-respected governor and feoffee at Old Swinford Hospital as well as a director and trustee of Mary Stevens Hospice. He was also involved with charities - the Sebright's Educational Foundation and St Thomas's Community Network in Dudley.

Donations in his memory will go to the Stroke Association and can be made via Mark Roy Timmins Funeral Director, 36/38 Windmill Hill, Colley Gate, Halesowen, B63 2BZ.