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

Councillor Jim Wayman died aged 75 last Saturday, two days after he and wife, Mavis, celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.

The couple, both from Ferryhill, married at St Luke's Church, then moved 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 an 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.

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 said: "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.

Mrs Wayman 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."

His 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 - although in reality he was never posted overseas.

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