A PASSIONATE and generous long-standing member of Wokingham Town Council has passed away after 55 years of service.

Councillor Robert Wyatt, died on March 27 at West Oak Care home at the age of 87.

He joined Wokingham Town Council in 1969 and was re-elected to the Council in 1983 to represent Wescott Ward.

Councillor Julian McGhee-Sumner, Wokingham Town Mayor paid a tribute to his 'close friend'.

He said: “Bob served our town of Wokingham throughout his life, a truly humble and generous man who wanted nothing more than to do the very best for all our residents.

"His breadth of involvement in our community was staggering, it spanned all age groups showing no boundaries as he worked tirelessly to include everyone. I liked to call him ‘Mr Wokingham’.

Cllr Wyatt, also known as Bob, served as a member at Wokingham Borough Council, and became Mayor in 2012.

Throughout this time, he made a wide contribution acting as a Champion for older people and worked with Caritas, to help fund and create Seaford Court for young people who are homeless.

The former town councillor, was recognised for his fifty years of public service when he was appointed in 2016 as Wokingham Boroughs first Honourary Alderman.

Members from across all political parties joined to celebrate and praise the service he committed.

Bob served for many years as a governor at Westcott Infant School and a trustee of Wokingham United Charities.

Cllr McGhee-Sumner, added: "Privately he was an intellectual with a passion for military and local history on which he had written many books.

"What might be a surprise is that he loved the Austin 7 car, maintaining links with other enthusiasts and acting as President of their association; this diversity of interests is what made him such good company.

"Bob was a mentor to me as I grew in my role as both a Town and Borough Councillor, always offering wise counsel and practical support.

"He became a close friend, I will miss him dearly and offer his family both my personal condolences and that of both Councils.’

A Book of Condolence will be located in the information centre from April 1 to Friday 12.

The funeral will take place on April 15.