Tributes have been made to the first Mayor of Stevenage whose funeral takes place tomorrow (Friday).

Friends, family and colleagues have paid their respects to Jim Cockerton who was elected the first mayor of Stevenage Borough Council in 1974. The long-standing town councillor died on May 15, aged 91.

Current Stevenage Mayor, John Lloyd, said he was a key political figure in the town for many years.

“Jim represented Roebuck for over 28 years as a member of Stevenage Urban District Council and Stevenage Borough Council. Jim was a stalwart of the community. He sat on virtually every council committee and was the first mayor. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Members stood in silent tribute to his memory at last week’s annual town council meeting.

As well as his political work Mr Cockerton was also chairman of governors at Longmeadow School in Stevenage for many years, and a key figure in the BAE retirement club Second Time Round, organising holidays for members, including inviting 112 people on his honeymoon with second wife Elizabeth in 1986.

A service will be held at St Peters Church, Marymead at 2pm, followed by a committal at Harwood Park Crematorium.

He is survived by Elizabeth, daughter Pauline and grandchildren Jenny and Lizzy.