COTSWOLD councillor Barry Dare died this morning at the age of 79.

Mr Dare, an incumbent district councillor for Stow, also represented Moreton and Stow as a Gloucestershire County Council councillor for 20 years.

Mr Dare served on the county council from 1993 to 2013 and was leader of the council from 2005 to 2010.

Cllr Lynden Stowe, the leader of Cotswold District Council, said: "The word ‘distinguished’ is used too frequently these days but it is very appropriate when referring to Barry Dare.

"He was a tremendous asset during his time with the Council and he will be missed by us all."

Mr Dare stepped down from the council cabinet in 2013 due to illness, according to Mr Stowe.

Alun White, Stow-on-the-wold town councillor, said: "He was a very charming and hard working man who was much respected in the community.

"He had a sense of humour and was willing to take problems on and work on them.

Mr White said the councillor will be remembered for his long years of service and the quality of his work, as well as his role in dealing with the flooding emergency in 2007.

Kevin Ronaldson, president of the Cotswold Conservative Association, said: "Barry was a formidable public servant and a truly committed politician who always put the interests of those who elected him first.

"He was a towering figure in local politics and made an enormous contribution to both the Cotswolds as a District Councillor and also the entire County whilst serving as the leader in Shire Hall.

Mr Ronaldson said the party, the council and the community had lost an outstanding public servant and expressed his condolences to Mr Dare's family.

Sue Jepson, chairman of the Cotswold Conservatives, described Mr Dare's dedication to public service as unwavering.

Ms Jepson said: "Cotswold Conservative Association as well as the National Party have lost a true stalwart, and we have all lost a great friend in Barry.

"But I hope it will be some consolation to his family that his contribution to public life will live on.”

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, the leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I have been in regular touch with Barry since he left the county council and I am very sad to hear of his passing away this morning.

“Barry served the county extremely well during his twenty years on the council and as leader, and guided us through the difficulty of the terrible flooding in 2007.

“His legacy at the council is still felt today, and I personally learnt a lot from him. My thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Pete Bungard, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire County Council, added: “Myself and Mark have been in regular contact with Barry since he left the council.

“Whilst Barry has fought illness for a number of years, he remained his lively, humorous and usual irreverent self until the last few weeks.

“We know that Barry will be greatly missed by numerous councillors and staff, many of whom will regard him as a friend and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Mr Dare was at the forefront of the council's response to the 2007 flooding emergency and later established the Local Government Flood Forum.

As a keen cricketer, Mr Dare also set up the Cotswolds Fathers and Sons Ramblers' Cricket Club.

Three months ago Mr Dare's wife, Wendy Dare, said he was recovering from a heart operation and hoped to return to full health soon.