DEDICATED Cradley and Wollescote councillor Richard Body has died suddenly today.

The married father-of-two and grandfather, who was in his late 50s, passed away earlier today (Tuesday May 9) leaving family, friends and colleagues in shock.

Councillor Body was re-elected to the ward which he has served on Dudley Council for almost two decades by a very narrow margin last Thursday (May 4).

He won the seat for Labour - polling 1,061 votes with Ryan Priest gaining 1,040 votes for the Lib Dems and was proud to live in the ward he represented. 

Fellow Cradley and Wollescote councillor Tim Crumpton paid tribute to Richard, who was a passionate charity fundraiser, saying: "I have known him for 25 years.

"He was absolutely dedicated to Cradley and Wollescote.

"He would do anything for anybody - he has helped hundreds of people."