TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Eric Smith, a former Mayor of Thamesdown, who died this week after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Eric, who was a local councillor for 30 years, was mayor of the council that was replaced by Swindon Council from 1991 until 1992.

Born and bred in Swindon, he had lived in Church Street, Stratton St Margaret, for 52 years.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease five years ago.

His family travelled from far and wide to be by his bedside when he passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning.

His eldest daughter, Pauline, 54, came from her home in Brittany, France.

"He was such a popular man," said Pauline. "He touched the lives of so many people in the town."

Eric, who was 76 when he died, had three other children Jeanette, Erica and Graham. He also had eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

During his life, Eric worked for the Great Western Railway and as a press operator with the Rover Group. He was an active trade unionist and worked as a shop steward.

David Rees, a neighbour of Eric's for 28 years, said: "He was such a thoroughly genuine bloke. He was a true socialist who practised what he preached.

"He was always helping people out, doing good deeds. It was always for altruistic reasons, too.

"He was well known around the town and a lot of people will truly miss him."

One of his grand-daughters, Gemma Buchanan, said: "He held the community in such high esteem.

"He worked so hard for the town. He often turned his own life upside down for the sake of council work.

"He really suffered badly with Alzheimer's in the last year and had to move into a home.

"His death did not come as a surprise to us.

"We were as prepared for it as you possibly can be."

Chairman of Stratton St Margaret parish council, Peter Owen, said: "He spent his life working for the people of Stratton. He played a prominent part in community life and we shall miss him greatly."

Throughout his time as mayor, Eric was heavily involved in a number of fundraising events, including abseiling 75ft down Swindon College to raise money for the Spastics Society and playing in a Mayor's XI cricket challenge match against the Evening Advertiser. He also ran three football teams.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Grace.

His funeral will take place next Tuesday at 11.30am at St Margaret's Church in Stratton St Margaret, where he will be buried.