A SPECIAL tribute has been paid by council officials to a legendary Hartlepool taxi boss.

Hartlepool Borough Council has 'retired' Ray Tweddle's licence number so it can never be used again in the future.

Mr Tweddle's wife, Julie, also paid tribute to Mr Tweddle, a father and grandfather, who built up Streamline taxis from just one cab to more than 130 at its height.

She said: "Ray was a larger than life character who worked incredibly hard all his life. He ate, slept and fed taxis and everyone loved him, all his employees. He always had a story to tell and was so, so funny. He was ill the last three years of his life, but he never complained and all his carers just adored him. He leaves behind a loads and loads of very happy memories."

Ian Harrison, Hartlepool Council’s Trading Standards and Licensing Manager, said: “This is the first time the Council has taken a decision to 'retire' a particular licence number and we believe it is the most fitting way to recognise Ray’s special status in the history of the town’s taxi trade.

“We hope he would be happy to know that his number - which represents so much of what he worked for in his life - is to be set aside and kept special just for him and his family.”

Mr Tweddle's funeral will be held tomorrowWED and a fleet of cabs are due to follow the funeral cortege from Ray’s home at Hartfields to All Saints’ Church.

As well as daughter, Lindsey, step-daughter, Jane, he leaves grandchildren Katie and Taylor-Ray