Tributes have been paid to a passionate campaigner and former mayor of Bridport who has died.

David Tett, 88, died on November 21 surrounded by his family.

He dedicated much of his life to public service, serving on both Bridport Town Council and the former West Dorset District Council as an Independent member.

He was mayor of Bridport twice in 1998/99 and also in 2001/02.

Bridport Town Council said the town flag will be flying at half-mast on the day of his funeral.

Mr Tett was involved in a number of local campaigns, never fearing to speak out on what he considered to be the best interests of Bridport.

Born just before the outbreak of the Second World War in High Wycombe, Mr Tett grew up in Crewkerne where the family moved to when his father signed up for war service.

His family said his roots in Somerset were maintained throughout his life via his interest in Yeovil Town Football Club and Somerset County Cricket Club.

He trained as a legal executive and his working life was spent with a variety of solicitors in the South Somerset area. He married Jennifer in 1964 and they had two daughters – Vanessa and Joanna, and three grandchildren. The Tetts moved to Bothenhampton in 1970.

His interest in sport led him to set up the Bridport Marathon which he organised for the first six years. The marathon raised more than £10,000 for improvements to Colfox School.

Writing on behalf of the family, Mr Tett's friend Barry Bates said: "David’s father had served on the local council at Crewkerne, and this interest passed down to David. By the time we met David was an Independent councillor.

"The title suited him in that he was independent minded, but I know that at election time, without the support of the political party machine, he had to work hard to get his vote out. It did however afford him the opportunity to speak out, without fear or favour, in what he considered to be the best interests of the town. His letters in the local newspapers will be a lasting testimony to that."

Mr Bates added: "David was associated with a number of campaigns. These included the long running campaign for improvements to the A35 notably at Miles Cross; the fight to keep Mountjoy School in Bridport and the campaign to maintain a magistrates court in Bridport. Members of the ADVEARSE steering group are especially grateful for his contributions to the fight against the massive development at Vearse Farm. He was there at the critical moments including the Judicial review meeting in Cardiff. A stalwart of the campaign."

Mr Tett was a trustee for the local St John’s Ambulance Group and a governor at Dorset County Hospital. He particularly valued his time as a trustee of Bridport Citizens Advice Bureau and as an early trustee on the Millennium Green Trust.

Mr Bates said: "He was passionate and consistent in his belief that decisions affecting Bridport people should involve them. In an age where turnout in local elections can be low, David was an inspiration to encourage us all to engage in the democratic process. You may not always agree with what he had to say but it would get people thinking and involved."

He added: "David had a twinkle in his eye. But above the picture I have of him is someone who was always engaged in what was going on, poised with his ready wit to offer an opinion and to burst forth with his chortle. A ready smile that lifted many a conversation.

"A life well lived and a family man. Someone who gave freely of his time and experience for the local community. David will be much missed."

Town Mayor Cllr Ian Bark said “We at Bridport Town Council are deeply saddened to hear that former mayor, district and town councillor David Tett has passed away. David served as mayor of Bridport twice and was heavily involved in the work to obtain a major capital sum for the town council when the nearby Alfred Lodge development took place.

"He was active elsewhere in the community, including as a governor for the DCH Trust and as a campaigner for ADVEARSE. Our condolences go to David’s family and the many others to whom he was close."

A Thanksgiving Service is on Thursday, December 15 at 1pm at St Mary’s Church, Bridport.