Praise for Councillor Ken Cooper's 37-year career has broken through party boundaries.

The man, a stalwart of the traditional Labour Party, was known even to his political opponents as a councillor who considered the welfare of his constituents and his city to be paramount.

Liberal Democrat leader Steve Galloway said: "He has represented the Bootham area for more than 30 years and his continuing personal popularity has been a testament to the hard and effective work he has done."

His sentiments are echoed by Conservative John Galvin.

"It is a very sad day for the city of York and the people that he has served so faithfully over many years," he said.

Coun Cooper, a Japanese prisoner of war while a First Class Warrant Officer in the Light Tank Squadron in the Second World War, was first elected to represent Bootham on York City Council in 1963.

Between 1977 and 1984 he led his party, before being elected into the new unitary City of York Council in 1996. He served the ward on North Yorkshire County Council between 1973 and 1996.

During his career he held positions including leader of the Labour group, Lord Mayor of York, chairman of the county council and Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.

He showed a particular interest in education, sitting as governor of his local schools.

His achievements were today marked by current Labour leader Rod Hills.

He said: "As a new councillor, Ken taught me a lot. As leader of the Labour group, I followed the path he had mapped out. I am pleased to be able to express my gratitude to him.

"He is one of the unsung heroes who has consistently battled to ensure that each and every child in the city had the best of education.

"Ken personifies the best in local government. The hard fighter on behalf of his electors, but with no personal rancour. The highest standards of personal integrity. The hard and dedicated councillor available at all hours to those that need his help. A man whose word was his bond. He will be much missed."

Coun Cooper said today: "My wife Dorothy and myself have been involved in politics all our married lives, but what contribution and commitment we have given has been more than paid back in the friendships we have enjoyed over all those years."

see also 'Labour has lost overall control of City of York Council, following the resignation of a long-serving member'.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.