Swindon councillor Kevin Small has spoken of the "big hole'' that is left following the death of his father and best friend.

Accolades have been pouring in to the Evening Advertiser office for Coun Keith Small, who died aged 60 on Monday from a viral infection of the brain.

According to those who knew and loved him best, he was an honest, caring and trustworthy man who will be greatly missed.

Former council leader Kevin Small, (Lab, Western) said: "While this is a very sad time for me, my family and close friends, it is also a relief that Dad is now at peace and no longer suffering.

"He will be very much missed, not just as a Dad, but as my best friend. We said our goodbyes on Sunday evening and although he was semi-conscious he squeezed my hand and nodded."

Born and bred in Rodbourne, Keith attended Even Swindon and Jennings Street Schools where he developed into a keen and gifted sportsman.

Kevin said: "We used to have wonderful holidays together. We would see how many swimming pools we could visit in one day.

"He was a good swimmer and represented his school in the All England finals when he was a teenager."

By the time he was a teenager it was clear his forte was not just in the swimming pool, but also on the cricket field, the football pitch and the athletics track.

He became a maintenance fitter at Princess Margaret Hospital where he worked for 32 years, before retiring five years ago.

Keith, who was like a grandad to his partner Sylvia's grandchildren, Alex, 10, and Victoria, eight, was elected to Wiltshire County Council in 1981, serving Swindon's Eastcott Ward. He held the seat until 1985 and was returned the following year to Thamesdown District Council for Western where he remained until his death.

Keith, who separated from his wife and former Wiltshire councillor Valerie in 1980, served as cabinet member for transport and environment when unitary status was introduced in 1997. He remained in a Shadow role from May 2003.

He became ill in August and his condition deteriorated. He died peacefully in his sleep, after complications arising from a suspected chest infection.

Kevin added: "I have lived with him all my life in Jennings Street and there is now a big hole in my life."

Swindon mayor Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham and Nythe) said: "Keith took me under my wing when I joined the council in 1992. He said 'Benny, if you need any help with anything, just give me a shout.' I trusted him completely."

Justin Tomlinson, (Con, Abbey Meads), lead member for cultural services and recreation, said: "Keith was an inspiration to us younger Conservatives because he always showed a willingness to roll his sleeves up and a commitment to improving the lives of the people of Western."

Liberal Democrat leader Mike Evemy (Eastcott) said: "He will be missed by all of us, but our thoughts are now with Kevin and Sylvia."

Alex Emery