TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-respected Keswick councillor.

Martin Pugmire, 74, died on Monday at the town hospital. He was with his wife, Gill, son and daughter.

The retired teacher joined Keswick Town Council 12 years ago and was mayor twice. He was actively involved in various groups in the town, including Keswick Community Emergency Recovery Partnership and Accessible Keswick. He was also involved with the town museum and represented the town council as a trustee on the Theatre by the Lake's board.

In September 2011 he became an Allerdale councillor for the Keswick ward when he won a by-election.

Mr Pugmire was re-elected in the 2015 elections but had decided not to stand again for the borough council in next week's election.

Town council clerk Lynda Walker said: "We were very fond of him, he will be sadly missed.

"He was an experienced, dedicated councillor and lovely man. You could not have had a better councillor.

"During one of his periods as mayor we were suffering the aftermath of flooding. He was involved with the reinstatement of the town and was totally at one with the people who had suffered so much trauma.

"He was keen to get any help and support he could for them."

Keswick mayor David Burn said: "He was a lovely man and a hard-working councillor. He will be hugely missed, our thoughts are with his wife and family."

Graham Lamont and Vicky Robinson, joint chair of Theatre by the Lake, said: "We are so sorry to hear of Martin's death. He was an excellent, diligent council representative on the Board of Theatre by the Lake.

"He was a man of strong convictions, and had a passionate voice for concerns that really mattered to him.

"He took pleasure in attending performances and pride in the theatre's success.

"We will miss his friendship, judgement and humour and are grateful for all his good work on behalf of the theatre."

Mr Pugmire initially stood as Lib Dem in the Allerdale by-election in September 2011, he then went Independent in February 2013.

Fellow Keswick borough councillor Ron Munby said: "He was a very steadfast, decent human being who very often was able to look at different sides of political arguments.

"He was a great credit as a mayor. People of his stature are needed in local government."

Mr Pugmire was a candidate for next week's election in the town council's east ward.

Because of his death, the election has been cancelled, as required by electoral rules.

A new date will be announced shortly.

A council spokesman said: "No other elections are affected."