A town's former mayor has been remembered as "modest" and "loyal" with a "real sense of humour" in a heartfelt tribute.

Ray Smith, who served as a Conservative party councillor on Babergh District Council for more than a decade, has died. 

Mr Smith had previously served as mayor of Sudbury and was a dedicated member of RAFA, the Royal Air Forces Association. 

Jan Osborne, the current mayor of Sudbury, said: "I was very sad to hear the loss of Ray Smith.

"Ray was a Babergh councillor for Sudbury (North) from 2007 to 2019 as well as a town councillor and a former mayor of Sudbury.  

"During his time as a district councillor, he served as a member of Babergh planning committee/development committee, Babergh licensing and regulatory committee (Vice Chair), Babergh licensing sub-committee, licensing and appeals committee and regulatory Committee.

"He was also a member of RAFA, feeling very passionate about his involvement, in particular the charities they supported."

Of her memories of Mr Smith, Mrs Osborne said: "He was a real gentleman; he was modest and very loyal. He also had a real sense of humour.

"I can recall when my husband stood for election in Sudbury for the first time and Ray supported him though his campaign, walking many miles to help him get elected.

"He will be sadly missed."

During a meeting of Sudbury Town Council on Tuesday, Mrs Osborne said: "A lot of our old councillors here will know Ray Smith from long ago and the contribution that he made to both the district council and this town council." 

The town council then observed a minute silence in memory of Mr Smith.