Tributes have been paid to Hartland and Torridge district councillor Bill Pillman, who died aged 71 on Tuesday 28 October.

The district's longest serving councillor, died of cancer.

He was born and had lived in Hartland all his life and was a well known member of the community.

The second of a pair of twins, Bill went to Barnstaple Technical School until the age of 15 when he began an apprenticeship with JL Fulford in Hartland.

Bill first stood as an Independent district councillor in 1976, representing Hartland and Welcome, and currently was the district councillor for Hartland and Bradworthy.

He was the chairman of the council in 1992 and was a member of the Coastguard Auxiliary Service for 24 years. He was also a parish councillor since 1976.

He also spent 18 years as a special constable in Hartland, retiring as a sergeant.

Bill was also a past chairman of both the Hartland Royal British Legion Branch and Club and until quite recently treasurer of the Hartland Royal British Legion Club.

A minute's silence was held in memory of Bill at a special meeting of Torridge District Council.

His friend and fellow councillor for many years, Trevor Sillifant, spoke at the meeting.

He said: "Bill was a craftsmen and did so much for the Hartland community.

"Life in public office can be difficult; many people don't want to go that extra mile, but one of the last things Bill said was that he would still try to work for his community."

"He was a man of the people, a very genuine man who had the very thoughts of the community at his heart — it has been good to know him."

Before Bill died he had carried out an interview for Torridge District Council's internal newsletter.

In the interview he said: "I am not afraid of what the future may hold for me, I've had a good life. I am a fighter, have been all my life.

"I urge members to fight their battles firmly and fairly and to accept decisions made with good grace."

Council leader James Morrish said: "If I can be half the councillor Bill was, I will be pleased.

"He was someone I was pleased to call a colleague, a councillor and a friend.

"I believe he will be watching over us all and making sure we come to the best decisions for the community."

William Walter Pillman was survived by his wife Ann, three daughters and six grandchildren.