A MEMORIAL bench paying tribute to Evesham town councillor Ivor Stewart has been installed at a place close to his heart.

The 74-year-old died after a short illness in June this year and Cllr Stewart's family have since been working towards installing the permanent reminder of him.

The bench has been located by the river Avon at Raphael's Restaurant in Evesham, a spot often visited by Cllr Stewart, and the place he and his wife celebrated their 40th anniversary last year.

Cllr Stewart was very much a Vale man, born in Badsey and educated at Badsey and Blackminster Schools he spent early part of his working life as a market gardener.

Later having married wife Christine they moved to Evesham and went on to work for Pershore Growers, Beech's (Mandora) and Dawn Foods before retiring in 2004.

A family man Cllr Stewart was married for more than 40 years to Christine and the couple had two daughters, Judith Stewart, who passed away aged 32 in October 2010, and Jayne Stewart, 34.

His family said Cllr Stewart always had an interest in politics and had been a member of the local Conservative organisation for more than 30 years.

In 2007 he stood as a Conservative candidate for Twyford Ward and was duly elected.

His wife, Christine, described Cllr Stewart as a "true gentlemen", and said he enjoyed his time on the council.

"He enjoyed his role as councillor and had an excellent attendance record," she said. "He was a member of Wallace House Management Committee as well as Rudge's charity. He stood for re-election in 2012 and was again successful.

"The bench is presented in memory of his work and dedication to his role as an Evesham Town Councillor."

His daughter Jayne added: "He and mum had their 40th Anniversary meal at Raphael's restaurant as Robert, the owner, has been a friend of Ivor's for a number of years and was a fellow councillor. Hence the significance of the location, and obviously the beautiful location by the river."

Speaking about Cllr Stewart, fellow councillor and owner of Raphael's, Cllr Diana Raphael said it was a fitting spot.

"He was a lovely man and a very gentle man," she said. "He was a very good councillor. I am pleased that we have something to commemorate him by.

"He came along the river bank quite often and would come in for a cup of tea. He obviously had Hampton and Evesham at heart.

"It's rather fitting that where he used to come and sit there should be a seat there now."