TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular councillor, who served his community in the Selby district for more than 40 years.

Coun Maurice Patrick died on Sunday, aged 72, at his home in Skipwith, after an 18-month battle against cancer. The farmer was first elected to represent the North Duffield ward in 1963, a role he continued until he died.

He also served as a magistrate in the Selby area for 20 years.

His sister, Grace Atkinson, of Stillingfleet, today paid tribute to Coun Patrick's passion for his community, saying: "He was always interested in the community and community work.

"He was very dedicated and well respected. He enjoyed contributing to the community. He put his heart and soul into it."

Coun Patrick was born in Thorganby and moved to nearby North Duffield in 1945, aged 11. He later studied at Selby Technical College.

He moved to Skipwith after marrying his wife, Audrey, at Thorganby Methodist Church in 1957. He was elected as a district councillor in 1963 aged 29.

He became leader of the independent councillors' group in 1976, and he was chairman of the council between 1975 and 1976.

Mrs Atkinson said: "He was wonderful and he was very much loved and respected by us all. We were always proud of him.

"The letters that are coming through and the respect that people have for him is just incredible.

"He was a man of integrity and he was respected by all parties. He lived life to the full and he will be very much missed."

Coun Wally Norton, deputy leader of Selby District Council, said Coun Patrick was a "tower of strength" in the council chamber.

He said: "Everyone at the council is aware of the long and devoted service that Maurice has given, not only to the district council but previous councils that no longer exist.

"He was a tower of strength and he was well-respected. I will miss his contribution to planning meetings, where he would choose an appropriate time to put his influence, wisdom and knowledge to good use."

Coun Jack Crawford, leader of the Labour group, said the council would miss his years of experience.

He said: "He always had a keen sense of humour about lots of things and he was always there to make the council have a giggle.

"But he had a serious side and he did a lot for his community. I think he was well respected. He will be very sadly missed."

He leaves a widow, Audrey, sons Anthony and John, and four grandchildren.

* Details of a by-election for North Duffield will be announced in due course.