FORMER Stratford-on-Avon District Council leader Les Topham who ran his own successful garden centre in Mappleborough Green has died.

He had served the residents of Sambourne as a district councillor from 1996 to 2010 and was Chairman of the District Council between 2001 and 2002.

During his time on the council he also served on a number of committees before becoming deputy leader in 2004. Mr Topham took over the leadership in 2005, following the resignation of Chris Saint and helped drive the improvements across the council.

Born in Birmingham, he spent most of his career at British Leyland, before running the Les Topham Garden Centre in Mappleborough Green near Studley.

The former council leader died on Tuesday (February 2).

Mr Topham has been described as a larger than life character, a strong Conservative, who was straight talker with a dry wit.

Married to Gill, his hobbies included collecting Jaguar cars and playing the piano and organ.

Cllr Tony Dixon, Chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "I joined the Council 12 months after Les and worked with him until we both stood down in 2010. Les enjoyed being in the centre but would sometimes comment that he never really wanted to be the leader, somewhat uncomfortable with speeches his emotions could take over and I do recall tears being shed.

"He was rightly proud of his achievements and of our district and during his year as our Chairman took the opportunity, at his own expense, to visit America and publicise the delights of our district. The downside was that his visit coincided with 9/11.

"Our thoughts at this time are with Gill, his family, and their many friends."