A FORMER mayor and councillor for Popley West ward, Patrick Horrigan has died at the age of 91.

Patrick joined the borough council in the early 1970s to represent the residents of Popley West, before serving as mayor of the borough from 1985 to 1986.

Ex-colleagues described him as a quiet and thoughtful man who worked very hard behind the scenes for the residents in his ward.

After joining the RAF to do his National Service in 1947, Patrick stayed in the RAF to continue his service for several years afterwards - a career that he was very proud of.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Patrick served as Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane from 1985-1986Patrick served as Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane from 1985-1986 After leaving the RAF he then became an engineer and worked in a local company until his retirement.

Patrick was married to Jean and had three sons, one of whom sadly died a few years ago.

He lived in the borough for most of his life before moving to a care home in Poole, where he lived until his death.

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane has led tributes to Patrick.

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Cllr Paul Miller said: “We were saddened to hear the news that Patrick has passed away.

“His commitment to public service and to the residents in his ward was unstinting and the borough owes him a huge debt of gratitude for all he did.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time."