TRIBUTES have been paid to a stalwart councillor whose knowledge and dedication earned him the respect of all his colleagues, even political adversaries.

Councillor Jim Wayman died at the age of 75 on Saturday, two days after he and wife Mavis' 49th wedding anniversary.

The couple were both from Ferryhill and married at St Luke's Church before moving to Sedgefield Village in 1960.

Coun Wayman trained as a mechanic, completed national service with the RAF and then worked in motor sales.

Originally as a Conservative and later independent he served on Sedgefield Town Council for 35 years, twice as its mayor, and Sedgefield Borough Council for 16 years.

He was a magistrate from 1974 to 2002, Chairman of Governors at Hardwick Primary School and involved in Sedgefield Twinning Association and Ceddesfeld Hall.

Sedgefield Borough Council leader, Agnes Armstrong, described him a friend first and an experienced and respected colleague second.

She said: "The fact Jim was from another party made no difference at all.

"When I became leader of the council, Jim told me the Labour Group had made an excellent choice and said: 'I will always support you because I trust you'.

"These are words I will never forget from a lovely man who was a great ambassador for the people of Sedgefield."

Sedgefield Town Mayor, Dudley Waters, said Coun Wayman was instrumental in many village projects.

Town clerk Lesley Swinbank added: "His help, advice and support have been invaluable to all of the town council staff. It just won't be the same without him."

He was immensely proud of his position and achievements within the community, as are his family.

Wife Mavis said: "He was incredibly reliable, he would make things happen. He loved to be needed and wanted to help the people and places he loved."

Son Ashley said: "He was accessible, approachable, took his roles very seriously and whenever people needed him he would help."

"He always gave considered advice, never crumbled under pressure and was happiest when sorting out people's problems or just being with his family," said daughter Alison McMillen.

Coun Wayman also leaves daughter-in-law Dawn and grandchildren Christopher, Kate, Charlie and Francesca.

His family described a brilliant sense of humour and each generation recalls him telling a story about a German shooting his hair off during the Second World War though in reality he was never posted overseas.

*Coun Wayman's funeral will be held at St Edmund's Church, Sedgefield, on Tuesday, 1.30pm.