A POOLE councillor who had been a "valued member of the community" for many years has died.

BCP Council has confirmed the death of Canford Heath ward councillor Pete Parrish.

He was elected as a councillor in last year's local elections following the formation of the two unitary authorities in Dorset.

In a tribute to Mr Parrish, BCP Council leader Cllr Vikki Slade said: “At the time of writing we do not know the details or cause of death and we would ask that the privacy of his family is respected at this time.

“Although Pete had only been a councillor since May 2019, he had been a valued member of the community for much longer, getting involved in many local activities and events. We are feeling somewhat shocked at this incredibly sad news and I have sent my personal condolences to his wife Tan and family.”

In the May 2019 BCP Council elections, Mr Parrish received 1,541 votes and filled the Canford Heath seats alongside fellow Liberal Democrats Sandra Moore and Chris Matthews.

Councillor Moore added: “Pete will be sadly missed by his friends and colleagues in Canford Heath. He was well known for his litter picking skills and loved chatting to residents afterwards over a cup of tea. My heart goes out to his wife and family.”