Tributes have poured in for a long-serving Beaconsfield councillor, who died this week aged 71.

A “champion for his local community”, Cllr Alan Walters represented Beaconsfield on South Bucks District Council since December 2001, serving as chairman of the council for three years.

Current chairman Ralph Bagge paid tribute to Cllr Walters, saying he leaves behind a “remarkable legacy”.

He said: “Alan was first and foremost a family man, and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.

“But his community work was extremely close to his heart and in this area he leaves a remarkable legacy to his beloved Beaconsfield and the wider community.

“He put the knowledge gained from his background in human resource management to good use as our council went through major transformation, joining our services and senior management with those of Chiltern District Council over the past five years.

“It is testament to the man he was and his dedication to those he represented that even in his last days in hospital, he insisted on keeping up with correspondence to the best of his ability.

“We will miss the significant contribution he made to the work of South Bucks District Council and I know he will be greatly missed by the people of Beaconsfield for whom he worked so hard for many, many years.”

Buckinghamshire County Council leader Martin Tett said Cllr Walters was a "larger than life character" with a "big heart and strong passion for public service".

He said: “I knew Alan for many years in his role at both the town and district councils and always admired his immense dedication to the people of Beaconsfield.

“He was a 'larger than life' character with a big heart and a strong passion for public service.

“Alan became a county councillor at this May's election. In a few short months since then he had already made a impact.

“He will be sorely missed at the county council by all his colleagues and friends.”

Wycombe MP Steve Baker also paid tribute on Twitter, saying: “Very sad news. Alan was always a pleasure to meet at civic events and will be much missed.”

Cllr Walters lived in Tilesworth Road, Beaconsfield, and leaves behind his wife, Sharon, and four children.