Dozens of tributes have been paid online to a former Stone Mayor who spoke up for the town for many years as well as running two pubs.

Mark Green served as a Stone Town Council member for 16 years, as well as being a Stafford Borough councillor for four years.

He was Stone Mayor in 2008, when his engagements included boarding the first train calling at the town's railway station for five years, on an historic trip to Atherstone.

He reprised the Mayoral role from 2019 to 2021, when his duties involved virtual meetings during the Covid pandemic, and he received the chain of office from wife Kristan, who was a fellow town councillor.

Mr Green went through a period of ill health from 2021, but remained determined to serve Stone residents and saw out his terms on the town and borough councils in 2023.

He died at Royal Stoke University Hospital on Monday, 12 October, aged 79.

Mrs Green thanked hospital staff for their care of her husband in his final days.

She said that following the announcement of his death, many people had come forward to share their memories of him, both in person and on social media, during his time as Mayor.

She said: "He was a character.

"He knew what was right and what was wrong and hated people doing anything wrong to other people.

"Whether or not everyone else agreed what he said, he spoke his mind and said 'that's my job'.

"He did his best, and that's all you can do."

Mr Green was born in Crewe.

He was a Crewe Alexandra FC fan, as well as enjoying watching cricket.

After leaving Ludford Street Secondary Modern School in Crewe at 16, he served a five year apprenticeship at Rolls Royce.

He went on to become a machine tool fitter and later an inspector.

He also entered the council chamber in Crewe and was the youngest member to be elected to Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council when he was in his twenties.

He served there as a Labour member.

Mr and Mrs Green married in 1970 and had two children.

They moved to Stone in 1984, when they became tenants running the Robin Hood pub.

They moved to the Rising Sun in 1987, before starting a bed and breakfast in 1990.

The couple sold the Rising Sun in 2005 but continued with the bed and breakfast business until 2013, when they retired.

Mr Green was first elected to Stone Town Council in 2007 and served four terms there as an independent member, where he was involved in community events such as the music festival and Christmas lights switch on.

Alongside his council duties, Mr Green was a trustee of Age Concern Stone and District, as well as assisting at Stone Stroke Club before the Covid pandemic.

He was a member of Stone Lions Club for 15 years, including serving as club president, and Mrs Green said he was drawn to the organisation by its ethos of every penny raised going directly towards helping people in need.

Mr Green's funeral will be held at Stafford Crematorium at 10.30am on Thursday, November 5.

Enquiries to Co-op Funeralcare Stone on 01785 813375.