TRIBUTES have been paid after Wychavon District Councillor Tom McDonald died this morning.

Cllr McDonald, who was an executive board member for economy, regeneration and flooding and ward member for Fladbury, is said to have died peacefully aged 79 at St Richards Hospice in Worcester.

He was elected onto the council seven years ago and was passionate about environmental issues.

Prior to his time working as a councillor in Wychavon Cllr McDonald had a highly successful career as a chartered engineer and worked within the aviation industry.

Paying tribute to his colleague Cllr Paul Middlebrough, leader of Wychavon, said: "This is a very sad day for all of us here at Wychavon. As soon as Tom was elected seven years ago I knew from his enthusiasm and eagerness that he would be a great asset to board, so I immediately asked him to take up a senior position.

"Tom was not only enthusiastic, committed and loyal he also took his portfolio to heart campaigning on environmental issues and flood protection especially in ward of Fladbury.

"He was previous Chair of the West Midlands Council for the Protection of Rural England, took a leading role in the restoration of the Droitwich Spa Canals, was a regional representative on the Severn Trent Water Forum and was heavily involved in our Intelligently Green programme.

"Tom took communicating to his ward very seriously and produced a newsletter called Tom’s Mini Round Up and regularly walked his dog in the village using it as an opportunity to get out and talk to the residents in his ward.

"Tom will be sadly missed and our heartfelt condolences go out to his friends and family."