LEN Webb, a former Mayor of Thame and Second World War veteran, has died aged 89.

Mr Webb, affectionately known to colleagues and friends as ‘Our Len’, has been described as one of the best-loved figures in the town.

Born Leonard James Webb in 1921, the second son of William and Lillian Webb, in Cologne, Germany, the family moved back to Long Crendon, in Buckinghamshire, when he was a child.

He married Kathleen Mary Roberts in September 1940, and the couple went on to have four daughters.

The grandfather-of-nine joined the Army at the height of the conflict in 1941 as the driver to Brigadier Glyn Hughes, the Deputy Director of Medical Services for the British Second Army.

He was among the first to be drafted in to help with relief operations in Bergen-Belsen, where he was tasked with feeding tens of thousands of former concentration camp prisoners.

Mr Webb served as a Thame Town Council member from 1969 to 1995, including four terms as Thame Mayor, and two as Deputy Mayor.

He also represented Thame on South Oxfordshire District Council from 1977 to 1991 and remained a steadfast independent throughout his political career.

He was named an honorary citizen in December 1999, in recognition of his long, exemplary and outstanding public service to the people of Thame.

Councillor David Dodds, who worked with Mr Webb for many years, said: “With Len, there was no politicking; he was straight, direct and honest in all his council work. He was also determined to see things through.

“A broken leg was not going to stop him enjoying one of his civic balls.”

Apart from his council work, Mr Webb set up and chaired organisations including the carnival and festival committee, Thame and District Twinning Association and the Thame Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

He was chosen to greet two royals on visits to the town – Princess Anne, when she opened the premises of the CAB in February 1995, and Princess Margaret in 1985, when she opened a new health centre.

Mr Webb also played a major role in the Scouting movement and went on to serve as Assistant District Commissioner until he retired at 65.

He leaves his four daughters, Susan, Alison, Judith and Lindsey and his grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A full civic funeral will be held for Mr Webb on Monday, April 4, at St Mary’s Church in the town.