TRIBUTES have poured in for former Weymouth and Portland mayor the Rev Ray Weaver, who has died suddenly at his home in the town aged 74.

Mr Weaver was elected to the council in 1979 and served as mayor in 1992 before being awarded the title of honorary alderman in 1994 when he stepped down from the council.

He had started out as a Conservative for Weymouth West but became an independent in 1980 because he said he believed party politics had no part to play in local government.

Mr Weaver was ordained in 1986 and was a member of the Holy Trinity clergy team as well as being head of religious studies at All Saints School, Wyke Regis. He retired from the school in 1989.

His year of office in 1992 was not without incident - his historic chain of office dating back to 1820 was stolen from the mayoral car while it was parked in a back street in September 1992 during an official visit to the resort's twin town of Louviers.

Former councillor Alan Martindale was deputy mayor during Mr Weaver's mayoral year in 1992-1993 and said how saddened he was by news of his death.

He added: "Ray was not only a good vicar, but a good friend, a good councillor and a good advisor.

"He always had time to stop and talk to you and he had no political bias whatsoever. He made decisions on what he felt was right and he will be sorely missed by many people."

Current Weymouth and Portland mayor Lynne Herbert said: "It is always sad when anyone dies, but particularly so with someone like Ray Weaver who gave so many years in public service both in the community and religious circles. He will definitely be greatly missed."

Weymouth and Portland deputy chief executive Ian Locke said: "Mr Weaver was a well respected councillor for 15 years and served on many committees.

"His views on matters before the council were always well considered and well thought out.

"He always took a fresh look at the issues and came out with his own view and he will be sadly missed."

Deputy headteacher Clive Faircloth of All Saints School said: "He was a much-loved and respected teacher at the school and always kept his interest in young people alive. He always had a story to tell and he will be greatly missed."