A LONG-serving councillor has died, aged 66.

Chris Abbott, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Deputy Mayor and member of the authority's Liberal Democrat group, was found at his home on Saturday.

Councillor Abbott, of Rydal Avenue, Redcar, represented Newcomen ward, in the town, and was a member of the council’s executive scrutiny board and regeneration services scrutiny and improvement committee.

He had been involved in local politics for 40 years and twice stood for parliament, in Hartlepool and Redcar.

Raised in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, he was chairman of the Yorkshire Ridings Society and also a keen Leeds United fan, frequently travelling home and away to matches and also being active on social media in support of the team.

Colleagues have paid tribute to Councillor Abbott, calling him a bastion of local democracy, an inspiration and a pioneer for the Lib Dems.

Redcar and Cleveland Mayor, Councillor Barry Hunt said: “Chris was a very passionate man about what he believed in.

“He was very proud of being a Yorkshireman in particular. He has been a good servant to the council and was an excellent, well liked councillor.

“Of course he would have been standing for mayor, having been my deputy all year.

“Chris had a lot of respect from others, he had a good head on him, and was a genuinely nice man.

“It’s sad and he will be missed.”

A spokeswoman for the council said: “Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with his family at this very upsetting time.”