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Â鶹ÊÓƵ is sad to announce the passing of one of its longest-serving councillors, Bill Brady.

Councillor Brady, who died at the weekend at the age of 87, served the Whiteleas ward in South Shields for three decades. He was first elected to the Council in 1992.

He announced earlier this year that he would not be standing again in this week's local elections.

During his time as a Councillor, he served as Mayor in 1996 -1997 with his wife Mavis, also a serving councillor, and was also a Cabinet member for both Social Inclusion and Leisure and Tourism.

He served on various committees throughout his career and was Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Vice-Chair of West Shields, Cleadon and East Boldon Community Area Forum at the time of his passing.  He also served on the Governing Body of Forest View Primary and South Shields Community Schools.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Tracey Dixon, said: "Bill served the Whiteleas community and the wider Borough with professionalism and integrity.

"He was a jovial man with a ready smile who was always ready to support new Members, but he always did what he thought was best for the residents he served and ensured they had a strong voice in the Council chamber.

"He was known as 'Mr Whiteleas' and, when he and his late wife, Mavis, both served as councillors, they were a force to be reckoned with."

Councillor Dixon added: "Bill was a great support who will be a huge miss to me personally. Our thoughts are with Bill's family and friends at this very sad time."

A former miner at Whitburn Colliery until its closure in 1968, Councillor Brady re-trained  in Heating and Ventilation and worked as a fitter for Â鶹ÊÓƵ until he retired in 1991.

The borough flag will be flown at half-mast at South Shields Town Hall as a mark of respect and will stay in place until after Cllr Brady's funeral.