A FORMER Wychavon District councillor died earlier this month at the age of 80.

Anthony Hotham, a Hanbury resident, was brought up in London during the blitz, before moving to live with his grandparents in Warwickshire after the family were bombed out.

Mr Hotham trained as a barrister, practising on the Midland and Oxford circuit, and serving as a deputy stipendary magistrate, before working as chairman of mental health tribunals.

He and his wife Pat lived first in Barnt Green, before moving to Hanbury where they lived for 26 years, taking an active role in the coomunity.

Following his retirement he was elected to Wychavon District Council in 1991 as a member for the Hanbury ward, serving as chairman from 2001-2002.

Councillor Gerry O’Donnell, the current chairman of Wychavon District Council, said: “Councillor Anthony Hotham was a man of many talents, who always served his community wherever he lived. He was valued by his peers at the Bar, and in the many other areas he worked in. He worked tirelessly for his constituents, and for many local causes.

“In his time as a councillor at Wychavon, and as chairman, Tony displayed the patience, wisdom, and humour for which he was well known, and he was much respected by colleagues and officers alike. "

Mr Hotham also served on Hanbury Parish Council for 30 years, and as a school governor, leaving Wychavon District Council in 2003.

He is survived by Pat, his wife of 59 years; their two sons Charles and Timothy; and five grandsons.