NEWTON Abbot’s first ever Honorary Freeman, Henry Cole, has died at the age of 90.

A true civic champion, the former mayor was a familiar face around town, often seen greeting coach visitors from the seat of his flag-bedecked mobility scooter.

He rarely missed any of Newton Abbot’s community events and was responsible for initiating the Courtenay Park band concerts during his mayoral term of office in 2000 to 2001.

Mr Cole, a former serviceman and supporter of the Poppy Appeal, served as town councillor for the Buckland Ward from 1993 until poor health forced him to quit in 2011.

He was appointed deputy mayor in 1999 and mayor a year later.

During his 18 years on the council he sat on several committees, chairing the Environment Committee from 1995 - 1997.

He represented the town on the Council for the Protection of Rural England and the Devon Association of Parish Councils.

In 2011 Mr Cole was made the town’s first ever Honorary Freeman in recognition of his contributions.

Although no longer entitled to vote at town council meetings, Mr Cole attended frequently and was given his own seat of honour.

In March 2013 Henry took the opportunity to share his regular words of wisdom to voice his concerns about party politics.

Urging cooperation in the town’s interests he told members: ‘I’ve been wondering what’s up. I read in the paper about councillors moaning about others, dragging their names through it. We work together whatever happens.

‘Let’s go in, have a drink together. Let’s just agree in here and not put it in the paper. It gives a bad name to all you councillors. People think what’s wrong?

‘We want to fight for the town, not our parties.’

Mr Cole died in hospital on August 11 having suffered a stroke.

Newton Abbot Mayor Cllr Mike Joyce paid tribute saying: ‘There are very few people who have given as much to our town as Henry.

‘His was a life well-lived and we are so thankful for all he did.

‘Our thoughts now are with his family.’

Mr Cole’s funeral will be held at The Avenue Church, Newton Abbot, on August 31, from 12.45pm followed by cremation at 2pm.