Former Tory county councillor Jim Somerville has died just a few weeks short of his 80th birthday at his home in New Zealand.

After a lifetime in Brighton, he emigrated to New Zealand with his wife, Hilary, in 1994 so they could be closer to their children.

Born in Brighton, Mr Somerville left school at 14 to work in a basketmaker's shop before starting work in a munitions factory in Birmingham when the Second World War started.

He then joined up and served in the 60th Rifles of the King's Royal Rifle Brigade, rising to the rank of sergeant. He travelled widely during the conflict and wrote a booklet of poems about his experiences.

After the war he joined the Young Conservatives, where he made many friends, and met his wife.

He and Hilary were married in September 1950, a few months after he had been elected to Brighton Council for Lewes Road ward on the ticket: "Youth and action is needed on the council".

At the same time, he left the basketmaking trade, which was in decline, and joined the old-established building firm, Alfred Cox and Sons.

He became estimator and later managing director of the company until 1986.

The Somervilles had three children, Sue, David and Peter, and lived at Walpole Road in Kemp Town for more than 40 years.

Hilary Somerville also joined Brighton Council and became mayor in 1977 with Jim acting as her consort. He was elected to East Sussex County Council in the same year.

Mr Somerville was also part of the team which helped return Andrew Bowden as Tory MP for Kemp Town from 1970 onwards.

They emigrated to join their children and grandchildren, starting a new life in old age on the other side of the world.

Hilary and Jim celebrated their golden wedding in September last year but his health declined and he died peacefully at his home last month.