Tributes paid following death of ex-mayor

Tributes have been paid following the death of a former mayor in Surrey.

Robin Sider BEM was first elected to represent Shepperton as a councillor in 1999 and held the position until his retirement in 2023.

He was elected mayor of Spelthorne in 2002 and again in 2012.

Paying tribute, Spelthorne Borough Council leader Joanne Sexton said Mr Sider was a "true local legend".

Mr Sider held a number of community roles, including governor at The Matthew Arnold School in Staines, president of Spelthorne Schools Sports Association and chair of a scout group in Shepperton.

In 2014, he was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the Shepperton community.

He was also made an honorary aldermen of the borough of Spelthorne in 2023 for his service and dedication to Spelthorne, the council said.

Ms Sexton said Mr Sider was a "true champion for Shepperton and Spelthorne".

She said: "Even after stepping down from his role, his passion never faded as he continued to support local groups and good causes with the same warmth and generosity that defined him.

"His legacy will live on in the community he loved so much."

Council chief executive, Daniel Mouawad, added: "He was to many, Mr Shepperton."

The council's flag will be flown at half-mast in tribute.

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