Denys Dyer, a former Oxford city councillor, magistrate and fellow of Exeter College, has died aged 86.

Dr Dyer came to Oxford in 1959 after four years service in the RAF and eight years teaching at Manchester University.

A lecturer in modern languages, he specialised in German. Between 1968 and 1974 he held one of the two Oxford University seats on Oxford City Council.

In this time, he served on the education, highways, libraries and general services committees and despite being one of the university councillors, consistently voted with the Labour Party on major issues.

Dr Dyer was also a keen supporter of several Oxford schools, sitting on the board of governors for both the Oxford School and Summertown Middle School.

In 1972 Mr Dyer was one of 15 new magistrates appointed in Oxford.

Active in establishing the city's twin town staus, Dr Dyer was responsible for promoting Oxford's link with Bonn in Germany.

A keen chess player, he represented Oxford city and was also a founding member of the Oxford branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

Dr Dyer passed away at his Oxford home on March 16. He is survived by his son, Peter.