TRIBUTES have been paid to a Galashiels Community Councillor who has died at the age of 53.

Tony Brown was born with spina bifida – a condition which meant he was never able to walk. But he had an active role in the town, serving on the community council and as a member of the Langlee choir.

He died peacefully at Borders General Hospital the week before last.

At last Wednesday’s community council meeting, chairwoman Judith Cleghorn paid tribute to him: “I am sure everyone will have heard the sad news that Tony died last week.

“He had managed to make the last few meetings, but he had been in and out of hospital over the last couple of years and had suffered a great deal. He will be a miss to the community council.”

Mr Brown’s family and friends gathered at St Peter’s Episcopal Church on Thursday to remember him.

The community council is now looking for three members to join.

Ms Cleghorn added: “I also have to report that Celeste Di Vito has resigned as a community councillor as she is working full time.

“That means we now have three spaces at the table and I think we should be doing all we can to fill them.”