FAMILY and friends have been mourning the loss of former Norton councillor and community stalwart David Rogers MBE.

The 91-year-old former Conservative councillor from Maple Close, Norton, died on July 29 after a short illness.

Well-known in the community, he made his mark on many organisations throughout his long life.

He was a councillor for Norton for three years from 2004 and was made an MBE for his services to the community in 2013.

Mr Rogers spent more than 40 years involved in Scouting.

He was one of the first Scouts to join the newly-established group in Pedmore when it was set up. Then in the 1990s he became District Commissioner for Dudley – helping the Scouts train leaders and gain grants for camping and equipment – all of which helped the district to become a flourishing success.

During his time as a councillor on Dudley Council, he set up the Friends of Mary Stevens Park group to combat anti-social behaviour in the park.

He used his expertise to help establish Stourbridge Tennis Club during the 1970s. He was involved with building up the club, which saw three former clubs amalgamate to form the present thriving club in Sugar Loaf Lane, and he was chairperson when the clubhouse was built in a disused quarry.

He was also a member of the Conservative Association for many years, chairman of fundraising at Old Swinford Hospital school and a trustee director at Dudley Citizens Advice as well as a passionate fell walker.

His son Matthew said: “He’s had a positive impact on many peoples’ lives without them even realising, and was a truly kind, family and community spirited man.”

Mr Rogers leaves a wife of nearly 50 years, former councillor Heather Rogers, and two sons, Mark and Matthew.

His funeral will be held at 11.30am on August 21 at St Peter's Church, Pedmore, followed by a burial at West Hagley Cemetery.