FORMER Taunton Deane Mayor Tony Floyd died at home on Tuesday after a six-year battle with cancer.

Mr Floyd, 67, of Outer Gullands, Taunton, was Mayor from 2000-01 and a well-respected LibDem district councillor for Galmington since 1995.

LibDem leader Ross Henley said: "I always found him supportive and a wise counsel.

"Tony gave great support to many good causes in the town and was an excellent Mayor."

Taunton Town Centre Manager Lucy Ball said: "Tony was a staunch ally of the Partnership - latterly the Company - and the Business Improvement District initiative.

"We shall miss his wise counsel."

Born in Worcestershire, Mr Floyd moved to Taunton when his parents took on a grocer's in Bridge Street.

He was head boy at Huish's Grammar School and went to Nottingham College of Education.

He was a PC in Frome before teaching in Swindon, Bishop Fox's Grammar School for girls, Clevedon Comprehensive School, and Monkton Priors School, where he was deputy head.

He was a governor at Parkfield Primary School and Richard Huish College, a magistrate for 15 years and County Training Officer and Superintendent in Taunton of St John Ambulance.

He was a Serving Brother of the Order of St John and Group Scout Leader for Taunton West Scout groups.

He was an unofficial handyman' at Roland Close and Treborough Close homes, where his wife, Mollie, was warden, and helped her at a luncheon club.

*Mr Floyd's funeral is at St Michael's Church, Galmington, at 1.30pm next Thursday, February 28, with arrangements by Nigel K. Ford funeral directors.