Tributes have poured in for a popular former councillor and key figure in the Liberal party who has died aged 68.

George Mair, of Aldebury Road, was well known as a councillor in Berkshire County Council and the Royal Borough from 1991 to 2000. The Scotsman moved to Maidenhead in 1972 with his wife Dinah and the couple would have celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary tomorrow.

Cllr Kathy Newbound (Lib Dem, Pinkneys Green) said Mr Mair first encouraged her to stand for election and he will be greatly missed. She said: "When I first joined the party in 1980 George was very much a key part of it - he really got the Liberals going in Maidenhead."

Her thoughts were echoed by Lib Dem leader Simon Werner, who described Mr Mair as his mentor on joining the party, saying he was 'unique'. Mr Werner served with Mr Mair on the county council and listed his achievements as including Windsor Library and the bowling alley in Maidenhead.

The Maidenhead Civic Society member was also part of the team to create Guards Club Park as a Silver Jubilee project.

Kevin White, Liberal councillor between 1979-87, said: "George was one of those key people responsible for the revival of the Liberal Party in the 70s/80s and did tremendous good within the community. He was a great guy and always fun to be with."

Mr Mair, who passed away on Thursday, September 8, will be missed by his wife, two daughters Katie and Janet, and one grandson. The funeral is at noon on Thursday, September 22, at Slough Crematorium, donations to Thames Hospicecare if desired.