A FORMER Beccles town councillor, Suffolk county councillor and Waveney district councillor has passed away at the age of 84.Harry Ley, who was heavily involved with the local community, died suddenly but peacefully at his Beccles home on July 19.

A FORMER Beccles town councillor, Suffolk county councillor and Waveney district councillor has passed away at the age of 84.

Harry Ley, who was heavily involved with the local community, died suddenly but peacefully at his Beccles home on July 19.

A member of the former Beccles Borough Council, he was the first man to be elected town mayor after local government reorganisation in 1974.

He also served as a county councillor for Suffolk twice, one spell lasting 12 years, and was Beccles town crier on two occasions.

He worked for printer William Clowes for 41 years and was an active member of Beccles Baptist Church. He was also heavily involved in Beccles Boxing Club, where he was master of ceremonies.

Mr Ley, was secretary of the East Coast branch of the Coastal Forces Veterans, after serving as a radar operator between 1942 and 1946.

At the age of 60 he took part in a 10-kilometre race for the carnival, raising money for the May Centre.

During his time as a county councillor, he helped to replace furniture at Beccles Youth Centre and supported the out-of-school scheme at Sir John Leman High School.

Back in 2001, he enjoyed a surprise encounter with former US president Jimmy Carter. Mr Ley was visiting his daughter Josephine in Atlanta, America, when he visited the library and museum opened and dedicated to Mr Carter.

The pair exchanged pleasantries about the UK government and Mr Ley had a t-shirt printed featuring a photograph of him and Mr Carter.

Stephen Baker, chief executive of Waveney District Council said: “He was well liked and respected by everyone, as his appointment to the position of chairman of the council in 1992 confirmed. Our deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends.”