POLITICAL leaders from across the borough paid moving tributes to one of the borough's most colourful characters, Cllr Frank Eadie, who died earlier this week.

Frank, one of only two councillors to have served on Trafford since its formation in 1973, died suddenly on Monday aged 70.

He served the ward of Davyhulme East for 35 years, both on the former Urmston Urban District Council and Trafford Borough Council.

He was the Chairman of Urmston UDC in 1971/72 and Mayor of Trafford in 1986/87.

Frank was leader of Trafford Council from 1993 until 1995 and leader of the Conservative group until his death.

Frank and his wife, fellow councillor Edith, had twin boys, John and Robert, a daughter, Janet and five grandchildren.

Council leader Cllr David Acton, he said: "I have worked closely with Frank for the last five years. On behalf of all councillors and staff at Trafford Borough Council I extend our sympathy to his family, relatives and friends."

Trafford Conservative group deputy leader, councillor Susan Fildes said: "Frank's dedication and service to the people of Trafford for the past 35 years made him a truly outstanding figure.

"The people of Davyhulme East as well as the whole of the community have lost a remarkable man who was devoted to public service.

"As the leader of the Conservative Group, Frank will be hugely missed by all his colleagues. He was a leader in every sense of the word and never shirked his responsibilities.

"I know that Frank's dedication to his office was only surpassed by his love and devotion to his family and my thoughts and prayers go to them all at what must be an extremely painful time."

Conservative MP Graham Brady said: "Frank gave his life unstintingly to serving the public in Davyhulme East and across the borough of Trafford. He has worked incredibly hard for the community and will be greatly missed."

As well as being a local councillor, Frank worked tirelessly in the local community, he served on school governing bodies, as president of Flixton football club and as a JP for more than 20 years.

Stretford and Urmston MP and former Trafford council leader Bev Hughes said: "Frank Eadie gave a life of service to the people of Trafford and he will be sadly missed. Despite having different political allegiances, he was always very considerate to me personally and I always appreciated his kindness. I send my deepest sympathy to his wife Edith and his family."

Former Labour group leader Barry Brotherton said: "Frank had a long and distinguished career in local government. He was one of only two councillors to have served on Trafford since its formation in 1973 and was a member of Urmston Council before that. He would speak forcefully and forthrightly about things in which he had a strong belief but tempered this with his ready wit and humour."

Trafford council is organising a civic funeral for Cllr Eadie.