TRIBUTES have been paid to former Devizes Mayor and businessman Charles Winchcombe, who died on Sunday aged 65 in Great Western Hospital, Swindon.

Mr Winchcombe, who served 30 years as a town councillor and was also a member of Kennet District and Wiltshire County Council, had suffered long-term heart problems.

Donations at his funeral, to be held at noon on April 7 at St John’s Church, Devizes, will be taken for the British Heart Foundation.

He was a third generation funeral director at Charles S Winchcombe & Son funeral directors, which was established in 1932. The business has been based for many years in New Park Street, Devizes but in 2011 a second branch was opened in Marlborough.

He and his wife Paula celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary in November. He leaves children Victoria, Philip and Alexandra and six grandchildren. Mrs Winchcombe and the three children are all part of the family business.

His wife said this week: “Charles was a devoted family man and he also dedicated himself to the business.”

“He was also involved in many community organisations and when he was Mayor in 1994/95 he was instrumental in starting the Christmas light switch-on ceremony in the town.”

Any donations for the British Heart Foundation can be left at the office in New Park Street.