Tributes have been paid to Rochdale mayor and councillor Surinder Biant who has died aged 83.
The former teacher served the town's deputy director of education and was mayor in the 2015/16 year.
Rochdale council posted on its Facebook page: "We regret to inform you that former councillor and mayor of the borough Surinder Biant has passed away.
"The former teacher became the council's deputy director of education and was mayor from 2015 to 2016.
"He represented Spotland and Falinge ward from 2010 to 2018.
"Surinder was well known for his charity fundraising and community work and served on several committees. He leaves his wife, Cecile, who is also a former councillor."
One replied: "So sad to hear this news.
"He and Cecile are such lovely people and we’re very good to us when we took on the same role. Sending our deepest condolences to Cecile and all the family."
Another said: "Such sad news. Surinder was a lovely man. My thoughts are with Cecile and family."
Born in Nairobi, he left school when only 14 years old to work for his brother in Uganda as a plumber and drain layer.
He returned to school at 18 and trained as a teacher. He taught Science and PE in Uganda before moving to Nottingham where he continued his studies.
Former council leader Allen Brett described Surinder in glowing terms.
"He was a quiet pleasant gentleman who got things done without fuss and never sought publicity for what he did," said Coun Brett.
"We were on the council together when he was mayor. Of course, he was of Kenyan Asian heritage.
"As I lived in Uganda for a couple of years (as a teacher) we used to greet each other in Swahili. Of course, I only knew a few words, but he could speak it fluently.
"Before he became ill, we used to talk about going back there to visit together. But he had been ill for some time."
Current mayor Coun Aasim Rashid said: “Surinder was a kind, caring and dedicated colleague, and an excellent mayor who always put the residents of the borough first.
"A light has gone out across the borough at this really sad news. My thoughts are with his wife Cecile and his many friends at this time.”
In 1969 Surinder moved to Rochdale where he taught at the English Teaching Centre and Greenhill School before becoming acting deputy director of education.
Surinder was president of both the Rochdale United Volleyball Club, and UK Friends of Kenya Cricket.
He was the driving force in fundraising for the building of the Lake Bogoria Rochdale Secondary School in Loboi, Kenya, where £80,000 was raised in a day in 1983.
He has also raised cash funds for Children in Need and was honoured for his services to the community with an invitation from Prince Charles to Buckingham palace.
Surinder served on several committees, including being the council’s representative on Transport for Greater Manchester.
