TRIBUTES have been paid to Colin Punter, Holsworthy’s deputy mayor, who passed away in the early hours of January 23 after a short battle with lung cancer.

Cllr Punter passed away aged 66 at Trelana Nursing Home with his daughter and son by his side.

In tribute to his colleague and friend, mayor Cllr Jon Hutchings wrote: “It is with great regret that we announce that our deputy town mayor, councillor Colin Punter has passed away in the early hours of this morning.

“Colin passed away peacefully, and the town council are very saddened by the news.”

Cllr Punter came to Holsworthy six years ago and threw himself into the community. He joined the town council in October 2015 and was elected to the position of deputy mayor in May 2017.

He served as deputy mayor right up until his passing and during his time on the council had chaired the finance and general purposes committee and will be missed around the council table.

As well as his council work Cllr Punter was a keen member of the Holsworthy Lions Club and the Shebbear Shooting Club. In his spare time he also volunteered as an exam invigilator at Holsworthy Community College, was a volunteer driver with Holsworthy Rural Community Transport and was regularly seen helping out during weekly town coffee mornings.

Cllr Hutchings added: “Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to Colin’s wife Janet and all his family. Colin was a passionate local councillor who wanted no more than to make the local community a better place.

“He was incredibly supportive of the town council’s staff and his colleagues on the council and was a genuinely good guy. He will be missed by all of us.”

The family have asked for donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, to ‘Cancer Research UK’.

A collection will be held during the memorial service on Wednesday, February 6, or to donate online visit www.awbryant.co.uk and search ‘Colin Punter’.