FORMER Forest councillor and current Parish councillor for Lydney North Ward Frank Williams died yesterday (Monday).

A long-time Labour supporter Frank played many prominent roles in the Forest and remained active in politics until recent times. He had undergone a recent operation but his death took the council by surprise. Cllr Norman Stephens, chairman of the Forest of Dean District Council said: "We were all very saddened to hear of the death of our well respected former councillor Frank Williams.?We pass on our sincere condolences to his family." There will be a minute's silence at this week's full council meeting. Lydney mayor Bill Osborne said for the town: "?Frank was one of a kind who will be missed very much."