Tributes are pouring in for Cradley and Wollescote councillor, Richard Body who died suddenly yesterday morning.

Councillor Body, who was re-elected in the local elections just last week had represented the Cradley and Woolescote ward since he was first elected in 2004.

He served on a number of committees during almost two decades of public service. Dudley Labour Group leader, cllr Qadar Zada, said:

“The news has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum.

“Richard was a unique character who was ingrained within his community, the work he did with the Friends Group, his battle against greenbelt development, and the campaign to save Cradley Library.

”I spent many hours with him in the run up to the election  and saw the love the community had for him.

”My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, children and grandchildren.”

Fellow ward councillor, Tim Crumpton added: “ Richard  was intensely passionate about the area he represented which he was born in and lived in all his life.

“He was a colleague and dear friend who will be missed.”