FORMER Hillingdon Mayor Michael Craxton, who worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the arts in the borough during the 70s and 80s, has died.

Mr Craxton, who lived in Hayes, passed away yesterday (Monday) evening.

He joined the Labour Party in the late 1940s, and was first elected to Hillingdon Council in the Charville ward in 1971.

He became Mayor of the borough in 1995, and received an honorary degree from Brunel university in 1996 – the same year that Gordon Brown and Baroness Thatcher also picked up scrolls.

During his long tenure, he represented the borough on the London Ecology Committee, the London Arts Board, and the Hillingdon Arts Association, and he played a key role in the establishment of the Beck Theatre.

David Brough, chairman of the Hayes Town Partnership, said in tribute: "He was well respected by everybody regardless of political party.

"His particular passions were the arts and the protection of the environment, and he worked to promote these values throughout his life.

"He was a delightful man and will be sorely missed by all who knew him."

Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell also paid his respects.

"Michael was a lovely gentleman who has devoted his life to the service of the community.

"He was selfless in his devotion to our local community, working hard throughout his life and winning the respect, admiration and affection of everyone he came into contact with.

"He was one of the foundation stones of the support and development of the arts and cultural activities in our area.

"He was a wonderful man, a really nice bloke."

He leaves behind three children – Jane, Martin and Oliver.

What are your memories of Michael Craxton? Send your tributes to editorialuxbridge@trinitysouth.co.uk, or leave a comment below