A former Thame town councillor has died, aged 67, after a battle with cancer.

Peter Cockayne died peacefully at home in Holliers Close, Thame, on Thursday, March 8.

Originally from Chigwell, Essex, he and his young family moved to the Oxfordshire town in 1977.

He started his working life in hotel and catering management in London, but soon moved into sales management with the Electricity Board and until his retirement, with British Gas.

From his early days in the town, Mr Cockayne threw himself into life in Thame, stage managing and acting with the Thame Players.

But his main passion was local politics and for many years, he was the main motivator of the local Liberal Democrat party. He served as a town councillor between 1999 and 2007.

Mr Cockayne was also one of the first people to be involved with the town’s Cattle Market Action Group, passionate that the last large space in the town should be developed for the use of the community.

He was a also keen cyclist and helped to get the Phoenix Trail to Princes Risborough established.

Mr Cockayne leaves behind wife Val and children Phil and Sophie.

A town council spokesman said: “Peter served the town and community faithfully and will be greatly missed by friends and co-workers.”

A funeral date has not been set.