Tributes have been paid to a “stalwart of the local community” who died earlier this month.

Long-time Stevenage resident David West died of natural causes on July 10 after years of dedicated charity work.

The 76-year-old was well-known in his roles as chairman of the local Age Concern branch, a trustee of the homless charity Stevenage Haven and as co-founder of the town’s Bus Users’ Group. His funeral was held at the St Hugh and St John Church, on Mobbsbury Way, last Thursday.

David’s son, Stephen, said: “My father was a very humble man who would not have wanted too much publicity about his passing. Everything he did was to help others, he did not do anything in the pursuit of recognition.

“He was well-respected in the community and a much-loved by everyone who knew him. I know he would have wanted his death to be accompanied with the news that Stevenage Age Concern is relocating to Swingate House, where the organisation hopes to continue helping people - just as he did.”

Councillor David Kissane, of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “He was a wonderful man. His example was that of a man who showed total commitment in everything that he did. David always did his best, whatever he was involved in, to help people as best he could.

“I will always remember his meticulous handwritten notes. He was an excellent record-keeper and always liked to make sure he understood the facts of the matter before moving forward. He was a stalwart of the local community who will be dearly missed by so many.”

A spokesman for Age Concern said: “David had been recognised with several awards for all his hard work volunteering in the Community to make Stevenage a better place to be since he moved to the new town in 1961.

“He would often be seen cycling the town’s pioneering cycle paths to and from his home in Chells. He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.”