COLLEAGUES have praised a councillor who died suddenly after a long illness Councillor Peter Dawson died on January 18, after battling with cancer.

On January 26 a meeting of the full council held a minute's silence and members paid their respects.

Mayor Steve Bullock told the meeting: "Peter had a very good sense of humour and made a great contribution to his community over many years, most recently as a councillor.

"Our sympathies are with Peter's family at this terribly sad time."

Cllr Dawson was elected in May 2002 as a representative of the Forest Hill ward where he worked alongside councillors Dave Whiting and Susan Wise.

He is survived by his wife Yvonne and daughter Joanne.