Banbury Town Council's popular accountant Keith Brailsford has died following a stroke and short illness.

Mr Brailsford, who had been with the town council since 2001, died in the Horton Hospital on Thursday, July 6. He was 63.

He was married to Pauline and had three children - Sally, Lucy, and Neil, and five grandchildren.

Mr Brailsford lived in Southam, Warwickshire, where he was a serving councillor and past mayor.

At his funeral on Friday at Oakley Wood Crematorium, which was attended by about 300 people, tributes poured out from friends and colleagues.

A statement from Banbury town hall said: "Although Southam is very much in shock from Keith's untimely death, Banbury too has lost a very popular, helpful, considerate, and reliable man.

"He will be sadly missed by everyone at Banbury Town Council and by so many of our callers who enjoyed his banter, jokes, and friendly face."

Donations to The Stroke Association and Pets as Therapy can be made through Banbury Town Council offices until the end of July.