TRIBUTES have been paid to a “popular” Kidderminster Mayor who has died at the age of 66.

Mike Price was elected to Wyre Forest District Council in 2007, representing the Offmore & Comberton ward until 2015 and was also a member of the Kidderminster Charter Trustees.

He was given the honour of being the town’s civic leader in 2014-15.

Councillor Stephen Williams, current Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council said: “It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the news of Mike’s death.

“He was a popular character on the council, dedicated and conscientious in all he did to represent residents within his ward.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Mr Price was born in Droitwich and moved to Kidderminster in 1970 when his father got a job in the town.

He moved to Stourport after his father died, where he was a Stourport town councillor between 1979 and 1984. He moved back into Kidderminster in 1996.

Mr Price was elected as a Liberal following the death of his close friend and former councillor Mike Oborski in 2007.

But he caused a shock in the council chamber in 2014 when he defective to the Conservative Party, just weeks after becoming Mayor of Kidderminster.