Oakham Town Councillor Paul Buxton, age 80, died in his sleep last week. 

He had only just returned to the authority last month, after stepping down due to illness. Before, he had served for six years on the council. 

The council is flying the flag at half-mast today and will have a minute's silence in his memory before the meeting on Wednesday (11 December). 

Town council chairman Paul Ainsley said: "He was very committed, kind and had a positive spirit." 

He said that Cllr Buxton was an 'eternal student' and was studying astronomy. 

Cllr Buxton, who had lived alone, was an active member of the community and as well as being treasurer of Oakham in Bloom was also involved with the Rutland Stroke Club. 

He was born in Barnsley, Yorkshire, in 1945 and lived in London for many years before moving to Oakham. He was widely travelled, had worked in the sciences for many years before retirement and also worked in the hospitality sector. 

Funeral details are not currently known.