The family of a former mayor of a Herefordshire town have paid tribute to an “eternally selfless” man following his death at the age of 78.

Geoff Knock, who served as mayor of Ledbury twice, died last on Wednesday, January 26, after a sudden illness.

A well-known figure around the town, Mr Knock was an enthusiastic part of Ledbury Tennis Club and Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS), as well as being a dedicated town councillor.

In retirement, he worked tirelessly to secure funding for and run the Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) in Ledbury, the organisation now known as Community Action Ledbury.

In later years, he helped elderly people access vital transport to church services and appointments and volunteered with the St Vincent de Paul Society, providing a service during lockdown to ensure those living on their own received regular contact from a friendly voice.

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A parishioner of Ledbury Catholic Church, Mr Knock served as a steward during the papal visit to Cardiff and stood in for Father Christmas at the Catholic Church Bazaar.

'A kind and patient man'

His family paid this tribute: “All who knew Geoff would agree that he was an eternally selfless, kind and patient man who fought fairly and hard for his family and for the people of Ledbury, for what he believed was just and fair.

“His grandson Seba said ‘Popsey was famous’, which we think is quite correct. Famous for his involvement and care of this community, and his family.

“He will be desperately missed by many and those that were close to him give unending thanks for having had him in their lives. Thank you, Geoff.”

Mr Knock was born in September 1943 in Leigh, Kent, and went to school in Tonbridge. He continued his studies at Swanley Horticultural College and had a long and happy career with the Campbell's family agrochemical business.

He met his wife Mary in Liverpool, where she was training as a nurse. They married in 1967 in her home town of Limerick, Ireland, and settled in Ledbury two years later.

A private funeral will be held at Hereford Crematorium on Tuesday, February 15, with friends invited to attend a mass at 2pm on the same day at Ledbury Catholic Church.

Family flowers only, donations to Midland Air Ambulance or Meningitis Trust Foundation.