Tributes have been flooding in this week for former Devizes mayor and long-standing Labour Party member James ‘Jim’ Thorpe who died last week.

Mr Thorpe, who was a member of the party for more than 60 years, died in Salisbury Hospital last Thursday at the age of 78.

Mr Thorpe was mayor of Devizes in 1998 and 1999 and was the Labour candidate in the 2001 General Election.

He was also constituency secretary for ten years, branch treasurer from 2000 to 2012, and was a member of Kennet District Council for eight years.

As well as his political work, he also spent several years as chairman of Devizes and District Link, and was an executive member of Devizes PHAB Club.

He was also involved in the Devizes branch of the Royal British Legion, taking great pride in being Parade Marshall for many years on Remembrance Sunday.

Sue Buxton, secretary of Devizes Constituency Labour Party, said: “Jim Thorpe was a great supporter of the Labour Party, both locally and nationally right until the end.

“He was an activist throughout his almost lifelong membership of the Labour Party and in 2012 Lady Teresa Carter presented him with a Certificate of Merit from the Labour Party, in thanks for his long service.

“He was much loved and respected by the membership, and will be sadly missed.”

Margaret Taylor, Labour Party Devizes town councillor said: “He worked tirelessly for the community of Devizes in helping the many organisations he was involved with and in his work with the various councils. He was a valued friend and colleague.”

Mr Thorpe grew up in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, and after leaving school he worked in a mill before joining the army for 22 years, rising to the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 and was a Senior Military Instructor.

Mr Thorpe met his wife of 56 years Dot on a blind date and the couple married in 1959 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Devizes. The pair had three children Adrian, Michelle and Darren, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Son Darren Thorpe said: “Dad was sociable, caring and generous. He was a kind man who took great pride in doing his bit for the town. Dad was a very proud man and on occasions stubborn, gritty, determined and in the last few years courageous. He was one of life’s true gentlemen.”

Mr Thorpe’s funeral is being held next Thursday, July 9, at 11am at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Devizes followed by a wake at the Wyvern Club.

Family flowers only, any donations if desired to Royal British Legion and Devizes Link.