TRIBUTES have been paid to a former councillor who served his community for more than 20 years.

Andy Turner, of St Helen Auckland, County Durham, was well-known throughout Teesdale for his work in the community.

Heralding from Scotland, Mr Turner enjoyed time as a goalkeeper with the Cowdenbeath Football Club, a passion he kept up when he helped run the Sunday league team The Pot & Glass, in the Durham & District League in the 80s and 90s.

After moving to County Durham, he taught catering at New College Durham and served on the Wear Valley District Council between 1999 and 2003.

He was then elected County Councillor for West Auckland in 2008 and became Durham County Councillor for Evenwood in 2013.

During his time as a councillor, Mr Turner was chairman of the pension fund committee and also served at various times on the Human Resources committee, Corporate Issues Overview and scrutiny committee, the Corporate Parenting Panel and the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny committee.

Mr Turner, 64, was a county councillor until only last year, when he lost his seat at the elections.

Throughout his time he was also West Auckland parish councillor and served as a school governor at St. Helen Auckland Primary school for several years.

Mr Turner, married his late wife, Gillian, in April 1997 and had a stepdaughter and stepson.

Apart from football, he also loved music, especially the Scottish band Runrig.

Durham County Councillor for Evenwood, Heather Smith, served alongside Mr Turner for four years.

She said: "He was a Labour supporter his whole life and did a tremendous amount of public service over the years.

She added: "He was extremely generous and a very thoughtful person. He was hardworking and did his best for local people."

Councillor John Lethbridge, chairman of Durham County Council, said: “I knew Andy for many years and I always found him to be a gentle, kind and thoughtful man who cared a great deal about the community he served.

“He and I often talked about issues, both local and regional, and we would frequently share the same point of view. I have fond memories of these chats, many of which took place when we travelled to County Hall together for meetings. Andy will be greatly missed.”

Mr Turner died on October 8, after a short illness. His funeral will be held on October 23, at the Wear Valley Crematorium at 12.30pm. Refreshments will be served at the Manor House Hotel, in West Auckland, afterwards.