HE was mayor of Teignmouth three times, served as a councillor for 22 years, and brought the legendary heavyweight boxer Henry Cooper to town.

Now Fred Tooley, who has been in ill health, has been presented with a long-service medal by current mayor Cllr Jacqui Orme (right) in recognition of his service to the town.

Coming from a well known boxing family, he was a talented heavyweight and often beat fairground pugilists in the boxing booths of the 1960s.

He played a pivotal role in establishing an amateur boxing and athletics club, which produced several champions over the years.

And in 1973, Henry Cooper opened the new club in Somerset Place.

He was then a national sporting treasure, who was one of the few to knock down world champion Muhammad Ali.

The American legend eventually won, but admitted Cooper had given him a hard fight.

Charles Lennox, club chairman, said at the time: ‘The name Tooley is synonymous with boxing in Teignmouth and in the person of our trainer, Fred Tooley, we have a born leader and inspiration to the members of the club.’

Mr Tooley served on the town council from 1979-1987, and again from 1991 to 2015. He was mayor in 1992-1993, 2000-2001 and 2008-2009.

Cllr Orme said: ‘Fred contributed to the town immensely and is part of Teignmouth’s history.

‘He was a long-standing and well-respected member of the council and I am delighted to acknowledge his service by presenting the medal.’