Tributes have been paid to former Cornwall Council leader and Mayor of Hayle, John Pollard.

Mr Pollard was a councillor for more than 40 years as well as a teacher and deputy head at Humphry Davy School, in Penzance.

Hayle Town Council said it was with great sadness they had to report the unexpected passing of Cllr Pollard.

The council said: “John dedicated more than 40 years’ service to the town, including two years as town Mayor. He worked tirelessly and achieved so much for Hayle and Cornwall - he will be sorely missed.

“Our thoughts are with his family and many close friends.”

Cllr Pauline Giles, chairman of Cornwall Council, said: “John was a man who quite simply devoted his life to public service, first as a teacher in the Midlands before returning to Cornwall and becoming a teacher and then deputy headmaster at Humphrey Davy School for 25 years until he retired in 2004.

“He was a truly independent councillor, proudly representing his home town of Hayle before being elected a Cornwall councillor in 2009, and then leader of Cornwall Council in May 2013.

“John headed a joint Independent and Liberal administration from 2013 through to May 2017 which successfully negotiated the first non-metropolitan devolution deal.

“Such was his talent and influence that in 2016 he was voted one of the top 50 most influential leaders in local government.

“He was a proud Cornishman and Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd – Kampyer A’gan Ertach, invited because of his services to Cornish heritage and history.

“John will be sadly missed by all who knew him. His services to Cornwall and its residents were far-reaching and will not be forgotten.

Penzance Councillor Tim Dwelly added his own tribute saying: “John was a massively honest, honourable and respected leader of Cornwall. Respected across the political divide.

“A Hayle councillor for many years, John was West Cornwall’s finest.”

Tributes have been pouring in on social media.