TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Studley councillor who has been described as a "true gentleman."

Bill McCarthy, who died aged 94, served the residents of Studley as a district councillor from 1990 to 2004.

In a statement, Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "It is with deep regret that Stratford-on-Avon District Council has been informed of the sad passing of former Councillor Bill McCarthy, on Saturday 27 April.

"He was a highly respect member of the district council and a true gentleman.

"The district council expresses its sincere condolences to all his family and friends".

Councillor Jenny Fradgley, current chair of Stratford District Council said: “Although I did not know Bill personally, I have heard that he was a committed and well-liked Councillor serving his residents.  Our thoughts at this time are with all his family.”

Mr McCarthy served as chair of the district council between 2000 and 2001 and was portfolio holder for amenities and leisure between 2002 and 2003.

During his time on the district council, he also had a number of committee appointments including amenities committee (1990 to 1996), environmental health committee (1990 to 1991), finance sub-committee (1992 to 1994), planning committee (1992 to 1995), policy and resources committee (1994 to 1998), housing committee (1996 to 1998), strategy committee (1998 to 2000), building local democracy panel (1998 to 2000), Management Committee (2000 to 2001), Corporate Strategy Panel (2000 to 2001), Employment Committee (2001 to 2004), Arden Area Planning Committee and Arden Area Community committee (2001 to 2002 and 2003 to 2004), standards and ethics committee (2002 to 2003) and environmental services overview and scrutiny committee (2003 to 2004).