FAMILY and friends including MP Victoria Prentis have paid tribute at a service to ex-Cherwell District Councillor Fred Blackwell who died last month.

The Honorary Alderman served Cherwell District Council and its predecessor Banbury Borough Council for 45 years.

Banbury MP Victoria Prentis yesterday tweeted: “A very fitting service to celebrate the life of Honorary Alderman Fred Blackwell today.

“He was a stalwart of the local Conservative Party for many years and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”