TRIBUTES have been paid to the memory of Rob Orchard who passed away this month.

He was described as a man of "true integrity" while serving as district Councillor for Eden District Council's scrutiny board.

Mr Orchard was elected in a by-election in February 2018 for the Hartside ward, replacing his late wife Sheila who had passed away in November 2017.

He was also chair of the budget scrutiny panel which studied the local authority's budgets from 2019 - 2020. 

Mr Orchard passed away on October 2, 2020 following an illness.

The thoughts of all those at the Council are with his two daughters, son, family and friends. 

Councillor Virgina Taylor, Leader of Eden District Council said: "I am sorry to hear the news. Rob Orchard has been an active and effective Councillor - he and I dealt with a number of issues together and it was a pleasure to work with him. It's a real pity that his time as a Councillor has been so short. My heart felt condolences to Rob and Sheila's family and friends."

Councillor Debra Wicks, Leader of the Conservative Group in Eden, said: “Rob will be sadly missed by all of us. He was a man of true integrity, understanding and kindness and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time. Rest in Peace Rob, we will miss you.”