TRIBUTES have been paid to Camelford Town Councillor, Philip Lessels, who died on Tuesday, April 18, aged 71, writes Suzanne Cleave.

Philip was a well-known and much liked man, who was involved with a lot of groups and organisations.

As well as being town councillor, he was also chairman of the Camelford Old Cornwall Society and greatly involved in CHAT, the Camelford History and Archive Trust.

He was also a former headteacher at Otterham Primary School and a school governor at Camelford Primary School.

Last year, he was the backbone of the successful relaunch of Camelford’s museum — ‘Now and Then’.

There was a tremendous amount of work that went into collating and displaying all the photographs, text and models — work that has gone some way into recording an important part of Camelford’s history.

Philip was recently chosen as one of Camelford’s honored citizens.

In his citation, mayor, Rob Rotchell, said: “For me, Philip epitomises the spirit of these awards, someone who is always prepared to go that bit further to make our town a better place to live.”

Cllr Rotchell told the Post: “Not only is Philip’s passing a very sad day for his family and friends but also a very sad day for Camelford. Philip’s contribution to improving the town in which we live was immeasurable. Personally I have lost a good friend and colleague.”

Diane Tayor, Philip’s colleague from the Camelford History and Archive Trust, said: “Philip was a very dear friend and an inspiration. His boundless energy meant that things got done. He was a man of integrity and he will be sadly missed. We are determined to keep CHAT going but he has left very big shoes to fill.”

A spokesman for the town council said: “Philip was an exceptional councillor and often acted as the voice of the silent majority. His calm, thoughtful contribution will be sorely missed.”

His funeral service will be held at St Gennys Parish Church on May 2 at 2pm.