TRIBUTES have been paid to Wordsley community stalwart Geoff Southall who died from cancer on Monday at the age of 80.

A well-known character in the village, Geoff was a founding member of Wordsley Carnival before becoming a ward councillor.

The former football referee, who leaves behind his wife Joan, children John and Sarah, and grandchildren Jack and Joseph, passed away in his home, surrounded by family.

Fellow former councillor and carnival organiser David Blood said Geoff’s passing will leave a “big hole” is his life.

“He was a very good friend to me and to my wife,” he said: “We have been friends for over 40 years and was a great mate who I could always have a laugh with.

“He wasn’t afraid to say what he wanted but he certainly was a character. Geoff was just a lovely, kind and friendly man who will be sorely missed by myself and many people in the village.

“He will be such a big loss.”

A former chairman of Dudley South Conservatives, Geoff was described as ‘Mr Wordsley’ by the borough’s Tory group leader Patrick Harley.

Patrick said: “Geoff was a much loved character in the Dudley South association, the Dudley group and the local community.

“He was Mr Wordsley. Geoff gave his all to the area and was very much involved in everything that was going on, especially Wordsley Carnival, and when he retired from the carnival, the obvious route for him was to become a councillor.

“Those who were close with Geoff will remember his dry sense of humour. He would always have people laughing.

“But most of all he was a good old campaigner, who never stopped doing his best for Wordsley and will be sorely missed.”

Geoff was first diagnosed with cancer nearly ten years ago and last year hit the headlines after being told his potentially life-extending treatment is to stop - two thirds of the way through the course.

However, NHS chiefs made a dramatic u-turn and eventually gave approval to offer the new drug to the terminally-ill community stalwart.

Stourbridge MP Margot James said: “I was very fond of Geoff and his wife Joan. He was a great councillor who really loved Wordsley and did a great job for local people.

“He had a great sense of humour and would always be participating in everything to the full. I have very fond memories of Geoff who was a particularly hard working councillor.

“He always said what he thought, which sometimes got him into the headlines, but he was a truly wonderful man.

“He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.”