TRIBUTES have been paid to a former mayor of Ledbury, who left an "indelible mark" on the town.
Keith Francis died at the end of 2025, aged 89, leaving behind three nephews and a niece.
Having spent his working life teaching classics, Mr Francis became well-known in the town during his retirement years.
In the 2000s, he became a town councillor and went on to serve as mayor of Ledbury twice, first in 2004 alongside mayoress Pam Jukes and in 2009 with mayoress Gill Pitt.
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During his time on the council, he became a familiar face on the High Street, spending time speaking to residents, alongside the town crier.
His service as a councillor came to an end in 2019, when he didn't stand for election.
Paying tribute to Mr Francis, Ledbury Town Council said: "During both terms of office, [Mr Francis and the mayoresses] made a great contribution to the town and were very supportive of many local organisations, helping to raise their profiles and for some raising funds.
"Keith was also one of the councillors who helped to forge strong links with HMS Ledbury.
"Keith and the town crier ‘Bill the Bell’ were regularly on the High Street, on a Saturday morning to greet residents and visitors alike.
"Apart from being very active within council committees and events Keith was also very supportive of the staff team and would go out of his way to help them and get to know them."
Aside from his work on the council, Mr Francis was well-known for getting involved in local groups and events, including dancing with the Silurian Morris Men and participating in Ledbury Carnival.
"He could always be found with the Silurian Morris Men by the Market House on a Boxing Day morning, dancing and in later years rattling their collection bucket," a town council spokesperson said.
"He took part in the carnival procession in some wonderful costumes, sold raffle tickets in the lead up and on Carnival Day itself and was always a great asset in promoting one of Ledbury’s biggest community events."
Some will also remember Mr Francis for his work on the Ledbury Primary School Governing Body, as well as his regular attendance at Ledbury's Children Centre, which he opened in 2008.
In his personal life, the former mayor enjoyed travelling, including an "enforced stay" on a cruise ship during the pandemic.
"It was during 2020 at the start of Covid that Keith was on a cruise ship travelling around America when he had an ‘enforced stay’ on the ship, for almost a fortnight, until it docked in Florida and he was able to fly home," a town council spokesperson said.
"By all accounts he rather enjoyed the adventure.
"Keith is much missed by many people and organisations having made an indelible mark on the town of Ledbury over the years; he epitomised citizenship and community together."
A celebration of life will take place at The Barn at 6pm on February 16.
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