TRIBUTES have been paid to Labour councillor, Bernard Pidcock MBE, who died on Saturday.

Coun. Pidcock, who represented the Holywell ward on Northumberland County Council, was 74.

He was elected to the county council in 2013 and served on committees including the safeguarding and corporate parenting group, the family and children’s services overview and scrutiny committee and the strategic planning committee.

Coun. Pidcock was vocal in his support against the closure of Bellingham Middle School last summer when he travelled to the school to speak to parents, teachers and pupils.

His daughter, Laura Pidcock, MP for North-West Durham said: “He was so much more than a dad, he was my best friend and comrade. He was a dedicated servant to others and the pursuit of socialism.”

Coun. Peter Jackson, leader of the county council, said: “Bernard was an experienced and highly respected councillor who spoke passionately about the issues he believed in. He always put forward the views of those he represented and I know his death will have come as a big shock to the local community.”

A minute’s silence was observed by councillors at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting.