THE nation’s “longest-serving councillor” has died at the age of 89 after representing the Forest community for 69 unbroken years.

Cinderford town councillor Lloyd Wilce was a champion runner in the army - and in local politics he just ran and ran, winning no less than 16 elections.

Twice town mayor, the former Old Engine Inn pub landlord considered calling time on his remarkable political career in 2015, but was persuaded to stand again, breaking what was believed to be the British record for continuous council service.

Cllr Wilce, who died at his Woodgate Road home on Tuesday, February 20, began his political career after National Service way back in 1949, representing Plump Hill on East Dean District Council and then winning a seat 18 months later on Cinderford Town Council.

He said recently that he wanted “to make a difference” to his home town, which lacked many amenities other places enjoyed, and felt that one of his biggest achievements was fundraising for the town swimming pool and a running track.

While his grandfather had been rich and his family had traditionally been Conservative, Cllr Wilce was a lifelong Labour man.

“My father died in 1942. I was only 12 at the time and all the properties my father owned went back to the family and all my mum was left with was 30 bob and her pension,” he recalled.

He first became involved in politics in the booming mining town with the Labour League of Youth and became regional chairman at 16.

As well as the town council, he served for 25 years on the district council, which changed its name in 1953 to the Forest of Dean District Council. A meeting of the Forest council held a minute’s silence in his honour last Thursday (February 22).

Latterly, Cllr Wilce helped raise funds for the bronze miner memorial statue installed on The Triangle in 2000, and during his long political career, enjoyed visits to Parliament and attended Queen’s garden parties.

Cllr Wilce had sons Nigel and Adrian with wife Mary, who died nine years ago, plus nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

First working at Debenhams in Gloucester, Cllr Wilce swapped the outfitting trade for running a pub with his wife after 17 years, taking over the village hall in Steam Mills and opening the Old Engine Inn.

Cllr Lynn Sterry (Lab, Cinderford West) said Cllr Wilce was always alert and interested in his community.

“He was a lovely man. We will miss him and so will Cinderford,” she said.

Cllr Graham Morgan (Lab, Cinderford West) added: “Another great pillar has gone from Cinderford.

“We, the people of this town, have all lost today. Cinderford will be a lot poorer for the passing of Lloyd Wilce. RIP, I have been proud to have worked alongside you. God Bless.”

When asked recently if he was Britain’s longest serving councillor, Cllr Wilce said: “As far as I know. I don’t think anyone else could catch me up.”