TRIBUTES have been paid to former mayor of Wallingford Denis Strange, who has died aged 77.

Mr Strange, from Newnham Green, Crowmarsh, became mayor in 2000.

He died on Wednesday, October 5, at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford after suffering pneumonia.

His funeral will be held tomorrow at St Mary’s Church in Market Place, Wallingford, at 2.30pm.

Mr Strange was involved in local government for more than 40 years and was also a verger of St Mary’s Church and a leading member of the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway Preservation Society.

The retired supermarket manager and former bus driver was a parish councillor for Crowmarsh and served on South Oxfordshire District Council and Wallingford Town Council.

He remained a town councillor until last year when he was forced to retire due to ill health.

In 2000, Mr Strange took over as mayor from Alec Hayton, to become the town’s 597th first citizen.

Town clerk Andrew Rogers said: “This is very sad news for Wallingford.

“Denis will be remembered for all the work he did for electors over about 47 years.

“He was always willing to help local electors and our thoughts are with his wife Rosemary, their three sons and two grandchildren.

“Everyone in the town knew Denis.”

Mr Strange’s wife, Rosemary, 75, added: “Denis was very well known in the town and did a lot for the local councils.

“He started out with Crowmarsh Parish Council in 1960 and served people in the area for more than 40 years — a lot of bereavement cards have been sent to the house.

“Denis enjoyed being mayor of Wallingford very much — I think it was one of the highlights of his life.”

Mr Strange leaves wife Rosemary, sons Andrew, 49, Brian, 47, and Chris, 45, and two grandchildren.