TRIBUTES have been paid to a long-serving town councillor and well-known local businessman after he died peacefully in hospital.

Prudhoe Town Council member Andy Gill, who had been a member of the council since 2007, died last Thursday.

Coun. Gill was well-known throughout the town, and agreed to stand for election in 2007 after being asked for many years.

He was also the proprietor of Regency Reproductions, a successful furniture shop on Front Street. He also was a familiar face and contributor to Prudhoe Town Fair, the Prudhoe Chamber of Trade and the highly celebrated Prudhoe Christmas Lights of days gone by.

In a statement on its website, Prudhoe Town Council paid tribute to Coun. Gill.

It read: “We are incredibly sad to share news that Councillor Andy Gill died peacefully in hospital on Thursday morning. The town council would like to pay tribute to Andy and to pass on our heartfelt condolences to Andy’s family.

“Throughout the town there will be many stories and memories of Andy, that we hope can be shared in his honour, for family and friends to read, or listen to when the time is right.

“Andy was a man of detail, he was often first to point out a problem, but more often than not he was also first to solve it. Andy was a hands-on councillor, who was active at every event and on many committees.

“There will be a huge void in our Council with Andy’s passing and he will be sadly missed but warmly remembered and revered.

“Our deepest sympathies are with Andy’s family, for whom his loss will be greatest.”

Coun. Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South on Northumberland County Council, added: “Andy was a wise man who worked hard for the community he loved, and was highly respected by all.

“I will remember his dry sense of humour and cheeky smile.”

Andy was also well-known for his love of a practical challenge. He was said to possess every tool and piece of equipment known to man, and was particularly inventive.

In 2015, he built a five-foot wooden staircase on wheels for the Highfield Fest, after being dissatisfied with the ladder band members and the Mayor, Coun. Eileen Burt, would have to use to get on and off the stage.

He later used the staircase to cut his hedge.

He also restored Highfield Middle School’s wooden badger sculpture, which now stands pride of place in the school.