Colleagues have paid tribute to the former leader of Wealden District Council.

Conservative councillor Brian Jarman was 70 when he died on January 5.

He had diabetes and friends said he had been in poor health for sometime.

Coun Jarman, of Dacre Road, Herstmonceux, was leader of Wealden Council between May 1995 and May 1997.

He was chairman of the housing committee between 1994 and 1995 and became chairman of the property sub-committee for five months in 1997.

Current council leader Rupert Thornely-Taylor said: "He bore the ill health, with which he suffered towards the end of his life, with great braveness and came to council meetings in a wheelchair, rather than let his fellow members down.

"Wealden has lost one of its most loyal and dedicated councillors."

Coun Jarman had been a solicitor's clerk in London and was interested in archaeology. He was a founder member of the Hendon and District Archaeological Society.

He was not married and did not have children.

The funeral service will take place at All Saints Church, Herstmonceux, tomorrow at 2pm.