Tributes have been paid to Wiltshire councillor Bob Jones MBE.

Cllr Jones, who represented the Cricklade & Latton division since 2013 and was a member of Cricklade Town Council, died on Thursday, January 4.

He also served in a number of other roles, such as Vice Chairman of the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Authority, Vice-Chairman of Wiltshire Council’s Environment Select Committee, and Vice Chairman of Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board.

Councillor Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Cllr Bob Jones was a committed public servant and represented the communities of Cricklade and Latton with a great deal of dedication and dignity.

“Bob was a very active councillor and keen to get involved in a variety of roles and meetings, all with the purpose of positively representing his constituents and county.

“I was very sorry to hear the news of Bob’s passing and my thoughts and best wishes go out to his family and friends at this very difficult time. He will be much missed.”

Cllr Gordon King said: “We are greatly saddened by the news of the sudden death of our friend and colleague, Cllr Bob Jones MBE.

“We send our sincere condolences to his widow Tina and the rest of the Jones family.

“A true community politician Bob was passionate about all things Cricklade & Latton.

“A true champion in his community which in turn regarded him well.

“A committed member of Council and Fire Authority he was a true inspiration to those of us who knew him well.”

Chair of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Rebecca Knox and Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell published a joint statement that read: “We are deeply saddened at the passing of Cllr Bob Jones MBE, Vice-Chair of the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

“Bob had been a member of the Fire and Rescue Authority since it came into being in 2016 and before that, a longstanding member of Wiltshire & Swindon Fire Authority.

“He was passionate about keeping our local communities safe, and his leadership, drive and wisdom will be sorely missed by Authority Members and staff right across our Fire and Rescue Service.

“Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”

Cricklade Town Council posted a tribute to Cllr Jones on Facebook, in which it said: “Bob made a huge contribution to the life of our town over many years for which we must all be grateful.”