A FORMER mayor has paid tribute to the dedication of his deputy who has died, aged 80.
Ernest Batty, who recently stepped down from his role as a Ripon city councillor, was described by Councillor Bernard Bateman as Mr Reliability during his recent term of office.
Mr Batty's funeral is at Kirkby Malzeard Methodist Church, tomorrow, where he served as a parish councillor before moving to Ripon.
Mr Batty, a former police officer, represented Ripon east ward on the city council, and was deputy mayor of the city last year.
Coun Bateman said despite failing health, Mr Batty attended meetings and gave unswerving backing to Ripon Festival.
He said: "He was very diligent and took his council work very seriously and was a person you could depend on."
Mr Batty, a widower, was an executive member of Ripon and Skipton Liberal Democrat Association. He represented the party on the city council until stepping down earlier this year.
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