LEADING Dudley councillors have paid tribute to a former borough mayor whose political career spanned three decades.

Cyril Woodall died earlier this month aged 83, he was Mayor of Dudley in 1990 and awarded the title Honorary Alderman of the borough for outstanding services to Dudley in 2006.

He was also awarded the MBE in 2007 for services to local government.

Councillor David Sparks, leader of the council, said: “Cyril was a Labour stalwart having devoted his life to his trade union and the party.”

Mr Woodall was first elected to the council in 1973 and was one of the founder members of the St Thomas’s Network.

The former Castle and Priory and then St Thomas’s ward councillor also served as deputy leader of the council.

Councillor Alan Finch, Mayor of Dudley, said: “As a councillor and Mayor Cyril served this borough and its people extremely well and leaves a very proud history for us all. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this sad time.”

His funeral will take place at St Thomas’s Church, Dudley, on Thursday December 19, from 1.45pm.

The funeral procession will also drive past the Council House in Dudley at 2.20pm.