The Adver would like to pay tribute to a Swindon councillor who served his hometown for nearly 40 years.

Brian Ford joined what was then called Thamesdown Borough Council in 1986 and went on to serve as Cabinet Member for Adults and Health during the late 2010s and early 2020s while always representing Wroughton, and later Wichelstowe too.

Upon hearing the sudden news of his tragic passing, we looked into our archives to find nostalgic snapshots of his time helping out around the town as a member of the local authority.

His year as mayor was a highlight of his career. Loved ones gathered to observe his mayor-making ceremony in May 1998 and happily posed for photos afterwards.

While donning the all-important mayoral chain, he fundraised for Swindon's twin town of Ocotal in Nicaragua, enjoyed a tipple or two at the Wine and Beer Festival, visited residents at BT North Star House, had a look around the Wroughton Science Museum site, and checked out state-of-the-art weaponry at the 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery in Larkhill.

He often supported community campaigns, signing and presenting petitions to the borough council and even going as far as to urge John Prescott MP via letter to call in a controversial development to the south of the town.

Along with this gallery of memories, the Adver's local democracy reporter Aled Thomas has a more thorough tribute piece including moving words from those who knew Brian best.

We would like to offer our deepest condolences to Mr Ford's friends and loved ones at this difficult time.