PEOPLE across the political spectrum have been paying tribute to former county council chairman and Labour leader Frank Thompson, who has died at the age of 61.

Mr Thompson was Labour county councillor for the Coleford ward in the Forest and was first elected in 1981.

He was a deputy county lord lieutenant and represented the county on a number of international organisations including the Assembly of European Regions.

He was a parish councillor for Staunton and a governor of Lakers School, where he had served as chairman and vice chairman.

He was county council chairman from 1993 to 1997, and twice leader of the Labour Group – from 1985-1993 and from 1999 up to his death.

Chairman of the Forest of Dean District Council and vice chairman of the county council Bill Hobman said he was stunned by the news of his colleague's death.

"I am shocked. I have lost a good friend," he said.

Mr Thompson had been undergoing treatment in Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, for a brain tumour. He leaves a widow, Deirdre.

A page has been opened for condolences on the county council's website, http://www.gloscc">www.gloscc. gov.uk