TRIBUTES have been paid to former Okehampton councillor David Hatch who died last Thursday after a short illness.
Mr Hatch, who was 60, resigned from West Devon Borough Council last month but colleagues said he had made a big impact in the short space of time since being elected in May.
Leader of the Conservative group on the council Richard Eberlie said Mr Hatch was so keen and looking forward to the work of the council so much.
He was the council's representative on a large number of voluntary organisations and had an enormous determination to help the community, said Mr Eberlie.
'He was really just getting his feet under the table when he was taken away,' he said.
A large number of people from Okehampton are expected to attend the funeral at 12 noon on Monday (January 17) at All Saints Parish Church in Okehampton.
Donations in lieu of flowers will be given to Cancer Research.
'Even though Mr Hatch was a relative newcomer to the area, he and his wife made a lot of friends very quickly,' said Mr Eberlie.