TRIBUTES have been paid to “generous and genuine” former councillor who died last month after a period of ill health.

Patrick Stewart, who was in his mid-eighties, died on Monday, October 31.

The Rack Close pensioner was a retired engineer who also worked as a shop steward and councillor.

Chris Kirby, who knew Mr Stewart for 47 years, said: “He was very active in the council, fighting for people’s rights.

“He did a lot of good work in and around the town.

“He was forthright to the end - he had his views on Donald Trump.”

The former secretary of The Central Club was a Labour councillor in the 1970s, serving as a councillor on Test Valley District Council for Alamein ward from June 1973, and was a proud trade unionist.

Former parliamentary candidate for Labour for North West Hampshire, Michael Mumford said: “He was a highly principled person and he was a very, very strong Labour party supporter who did a lot of work for the Andover Labour party for a long time.

“He was a gentle man too and I think anybody who knew him liked him.

“Nobody sad a bad thing about him, he would argue with people but then would shake your hand and smile.”

Mr Stewart was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2011 and also suffered from a visual impairment.

Friend Manuela Wahnon, said: “What I will always remember Patrick for is his passionate belief in the Labour party.

“Whilst others would revel in the glorious sunshine- Patrick never could, as the sunlight hurt his eyes terribly - his fortitude with which he bore his ailments was truly inspirational and humbling.

“An erudite man, who kept up-to-date with world affairs and could talk knowledgeably on many situations both here and abroad.

“He loved his cigars, a tipple at the Lardicake and his beloved cat.

“Patrick was, and will remain, a truly unique individual who left his mark on the town of Andover.”

A requiem mass was held today for Mr Stewart at St John The Baptist Church.