A FORMER Mayor of St Helens has died aged 71.

Council Leader Marie Rimmer led tributes to Alex Worth who was mayor from 1996 to 1997.

"Alex was a dedicated councillor who worker hard for the local community" said Councillor Rimmer. "He was one of our most popular mayors and was committed to charity work in and around St Helens. He will be greatly missed by all."

Alex Worth served for two stints on the council, representing Thatto Heath from 1980-86 and then Grange Park until 2000. He served on all the major borough committees.

An ardent trade unionist and in addition to his involvement with St Helens and Knowsley Stroke Club, Alex will be fondly remembered by the folks at Windle Pilkington House.

During his year of office, Alex chose Age Concern as his mayoral charity.

Born in Liverpool, Alex moved to St Helens to live with his grandparents in Doulton Street when he was just nine months old.

After attending St Teresa's in Devon Street, Newtown, Alex served his apprenticeship as a painter and decorator before joining Pilkington in 1954 where he worked until retirement in 1990. Earlier, Alex had completed his National Service.

He leaves a widow, Esther and son, Alex.