Touching tributes have been paid to a “charismatic” former parish councillor who died in Wiltshire.

Brian Little, of Coate near Devizes, died aged 87 on July 3 after a long battle with prostate cancer.

During his life, Brian became a well-known and much-loved member of the community in Devizes and the surrounding areas.

He was an active member of multiple local organisations and was on the Bishops Cannings Parish Council for 12 years, acting as chair from 2005 to 2011.

Brian also chaired the Devizes and District Housing Society and the Devizes branch of the British Heart Foundation.

This was one of many charitable causes he dedicated himself to during his life.

In 2004 he raised thousands of pounds for the victims of the Boxing Day Tsunami by shaking boxes in Devizes Market Place, while a member of the town’s rotary club.

Brian’s wife of 59 years, Daphne, said: “He spent a lot of time helping others but of course he always downplayed it.

“He organised concerts to bring the community together and so many other things.

“Brian just gave his time to help others in whatever way he could and that sums him up.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Brian LittleBrian Little (Image: Daphne Little)

In 1981 Brian started his own company, Fire Safety Services, which had many clients in the area and ran for 40 years before being taken over by Bristol Fire.

Daphne told this paper that Brian will be sorely missed by his family and many others in the local community.

“He will just be remembered for being him, for being Brian”, she said.

“The big thing about him was he was reliable and dependable, most people will remember him as a loyal friend.

“His mischievous sense of humour was a big thing… he was well loved for his unique spirit and charisma and above all his quick wit which will be so missed.”

Brian spent his whole life in the county where he was a member of a local football team and was a keen supporter of Bath Rugby Club.

He received an active service medal for his work as a military policeman serving in Cyprus from 1956 to 1958.

In total, Daphne and Brian spent 49 years living in Coate together.

Brian’s life was celebrated by over 200 friends, family and acquaintances at St Mary’s Church in Bishops Cannings on August 1.

Daphne described the funeral as a “beautiful musical celebration for his life.”

As well as Daphne, Brian leaves behind his daughter Clare, her husband Martin and their three grandchildren Hugo, Francesca and Bear.