Tributes were paid to Len Powell, who died at Stafford Hospital on 25 June 2009, aged 92, following complications with a heart complaint.

Mr Powell was one of Lichfield and Burntwood's 'greatest post-war public figures', and held many local leadership roles, becoming the first Honorary Citizen of Burntwood in 1983.

His daughter, Gillian Griffin, said: "Despite the many offices that dad held his family was always his first priority, by a long way. We loved him so much and will miss him terribly."

He was born in Birmingham in 1916 and, after service in France, the Middle East and North Africa, moved to Chase Terrace, Staffordshire, in 1947.

In 1952, he was elected to Lichfield Rural District and served as chairman from 1969 to 1971.

He was also chairman of Burntwood Parish Council in 1967 and, following local government reorganisation in 1973, he was elected to the new Lichfield District Council, serving as its chairman from 1973 to 1975.

Later he was appointed a magistrate and was chairman of the Lichfield bench from 1980 until 1987.

Mr Powell was also a driving force behind the building of the Burntwood Recreation Centre.

Son-in-law Mike Griffin said: "He was a remarkable man – full of energy and commitment to local people and causes.

"He was utterly focused on what was right and was not prepared to waiver or compromise."

In 1940 Mr Powell married his devoted wife Connie, who 'gave him invaluable support throughout his public life'. She died in 2006.

Son John Powell said: “My parents gave us great examples of integrity and devotion to others.

"The sense of service they both had – my father in his many community and political involvements and my mother, for example, as a driving force in the local Darby and Joan club until her mid 80s – will not be forgotten."

His other appointments included: chairman of the Staffordshire Association of Parish Councils; president of Lichfield Operatic Society; and Vice-President of Lichfield and District Arts Association. He was chairman of Chase Terrace Comprehensive School Governors until his mid-80s.

He was also survived by two grand children and two great grand children.