A CHAMPION of Swindon's disabled people has died.

Chris Herbert, a past chairman of Swindon Coalition of Disabled People and a committed volunteer worker, died this week of kidney failure, aged 46.

Mr Herbert, of Park North, was a member of the coalition for three years and was elected chairman in May 2001, a post he held until this May when he was unable to continue for health reasons.

Sharyn O'Byrne, present chairman of the coalition, said: "Chris's knowledge and experience of disability issues, together with his unique sense of humour, was a source of inspiration and support for many people. He will be sadly missed by friends and colleagues and we send our sincere condolences to his partner, Clare."

Visually impaired, Mr Herbert was instrumental in ensuring the continuation of the Swindon Disability Resource Centre for a year after the end of its main source of funding.

He committed himself to opening the resource centre on Saturdays to ensure that the service was more widely available. He also assisted many people individually, particularly residents of Davis House, Swindon, with benefits and disability-related advice.