A FORMER mayor of Ellesmere Port and Neston has died.

Ted Lloyd, who was 85, died suddenly at home.

The Labour stalwart was a councillor for Rossmore Ward for 15 years until 2009, and was elected mayor from 2007-08.

Widower Cllr Lloyd had been married to Mary, who passed away in 1996. The couple had no children and lived in the Rivacre area of Ellesmere Port.

The present mayor, Cllr Angela Claydon, said: “I have known Ted as a dear friend for many years, and he has accompanied me as my mayor’s consort on several occasions. He was always willing to help anyone who needed him.

“The town is sadder for his passing. I will miss him so much.”

Born in Chester, he grew up in Great Sutton.

As a young man, he enjoyed a brief spell as a professional footballer, playing for Bradford City and Tranmere Rovers.

He also worked at Shell Thornton Research Centre but left to join the Army, which he joined as a regular in the Second World War.

He served with the military police in Egypt, North Africa, Italy and Palestine until being medically discharged after a terrorist attack in Palestine.

He was present at the bombing of the King David Hotel in Jerusalem and was able to rescue survivors from the rubble.

Following 14 months in hospital he returned to Shell, later joining the education department at County Hall in Chester.

After several years he moved to the treasurer’s department at the borough council then returned to the education unit, working in its then-district office in Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port. He stayed there until his retirement in 1991, having worked for 35 years in local government.

In 1947 he helped form the Great Sutton football team and was chairman of the Wirral Football Association and president/treasurer of the Ellesmere Port Sunday Senior Football League. He was regularly refereeing matches until only a few years ago.

He was presented with a commemorative medal for 50 years service to the FA by Lord Sebastian Coe.

Ellesmere Port Referees Society secretary Keith Stocker said: “We have this week, lost a true friend, a president, treasurer and a great follower and supporter of amateur football.

“It won’t be the same without him.”

A minute’s silence was held at many games at the weekend as a mark of respect.

Cllr Lloyd was also governor of several schools, including, most recently, Rivacre Primary School and The Oaks Primary School, and was involved with both the sea cadets and Citizens Advice Bureau.

He was chairman of NEPTRO, the council’s Tenants and Residents Association in Ellesmere Port and Neston and had been Secretary of the Ellesmere Port and Neston Constituency Labour Party for many years.

Cllr Justin Madders, leader of the Labour Group on Cheshire West and Chester Council and former leader of Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council, said: “Ted worked tirelessly and loyally for the Labour Party, and for the whole community of Ellesmere Port, as is shown by all the organisations he helped to run. His continuing energy and drive was a model for us all.”

Funeral arrangements are not yet available, but enquires may be made to the Co-operative Funeralcare, Little Sutton, 0151 339 3148.