THE Ripon City Council macebearer for the past 17 years, Pat Webb, died last week, aged 72, after a long fight against cancer.

Mr Webb, a well-known figure in the community, married long-time friend Audrey Collingham only three weeks ago while in hospital.

It was his second marriage. He had six children from his first to Mary. They met and married in Leeds in 1950.

Mr Webb became an authority on Ripon civic history and, during his term of office, met many important people including the Queen when she visited Ripon in 1985.

Tributes poured in to the town hall, including one from former mayor Doreen Spence.

She said: "He was every mayor's right-hand man at ceremonial events, very much a traditionalist, and was a wonderful and much-respected person.

"He made sure every mayor was where he should be and received the right person in the correct manner. He treated everyone the same and was a great help to all he served."

After taking early retirement, he was appointed sergeant at mace and clerk of the city council. He gave up the position of clerk to concentrate on the duties of macebearer and served under a succession of mayors.

He met his second wife when they were students in Leeds.

His funeral was held at Masham parish church on Monday.