TRIBUTES have poured in for community-spirited solicitor and Kidderminster champion Charles Talbot MBE, who has passed away.

Mr Talbot, known by many as 'Mr Kidderminster,' is reported to have passed away on Saturday, October 19.

The Kidderminster stalwart was named in the Queen’s New Year Honours in 2017 for services to the community which has seen him work tirelessly in Wyre Forest public life for almost 60 years.

Mr Talbot was born in 1931 and was educated at Shrewsbury School and Trinity Hall, Cambridge.

He qualified as a solicitor and joined the family firm Talbot and Talbot in Church Street, Kidderminster, also working as a consultant solicitor for Painters.

He served as a Kidderminster Borough councillor for 15 years from 1959 and became the town’s youngest ever mayor aged 33.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

When the authority was disbanded and Wyre Forest District Council set up, Mr Talbot campaigned strongly for the reformation of Kidderminster’s own town council for decades, a dream which was realised in 2015.

He later served as a councillor on Wyre Forest District Council for three years between 1976 and 1979.

Amongst Mr Talbot's successes through his community work in Kidderminster included the setting up of Kidderminster and District Youth Trust (KDYT) and the establishment of the Museum of Carpet in 2012 following a 31-year campaign.

The father-of-three was also instrumental in the Kidderminster twinning with the German town of Husum. For his work, Mr Talbot was awarded Husum’s golden ring of honour – and is one of only two people to ever to receive it.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Wyre Forest District Councillor Fran Oborski shared the sad news of Mr Talbot's passing on Facebook, leading tributes to the late stalwart.

She told The Shuttle: "Charles was Mr Kidderminster. He was one of the most charming people I have ever met and he was a passionate believer in the town.

"He was involved in all the activities of the town. He's going to leave an enormous hole in public life."

Councillor Marcus Hart posted on Facebook: "He was one of the kindest, nicest true gentleman I have ever met.

"I first met Charles doing work experience at Talbots Solicitors when I was 16 and he was really kind to me and has been so ever since.

"He once said to me, My dear Marcus, never look back only with a smile."

Councillor Nathan Desmond paid tribute on Facebook, saying: "He was Mr Kidderminster and immensely embedded in the fabric and history of the town.

"He was passionate about the town. A fountain of knowledge on all topics, a true gentleman who will be deeply missed."