TRIBUTES have been paid to former Bury mayor Paul Nesbit.

Mr Nesbit, who died at Wythenshawe Hospital on Sunday after a battle with cancer, was the borough's first citizen in 2001-02.

Aged 68, he leaves a wife, Shirley, children Stephanie, Simon, Beverley and Michaela as well as brothers Ellis, Jack and Raymond. He was co-owner of Leigh-based watch and clock repairers Mistal which he helped launch in 1981.

Mr Nesbit, who lived in Hawkstone Avenue, Whitefield, was initially elected to Bury Council for the Sedgley ward in 1992 as a Conservative councillor. But he caused a stir when he defected to Labour three years later, handing overall control of the hung council to the socialists.

In May 2001, he was installed as Mayor and for the 12 months fulfilled a busy schedule of events. These included officially opening the new headquarters of the Bury Times.

Mr Nesbit was a past president of the Prestwich Carnival Committee and former chairman of Prestwich area board. He was also a council representative on a range of outside bodies, including the Jewish Representative Council, Bury Music Service, Provincial Council and Manchester Jewish Grammar School governing body.

His role as a councillor ended in 2004 when he stood unsuccessfully for the Pilkington Park ward.

After moving from Prestwich to Whitefield 10 years ago he became involved in community life and was president of the Whitefield Hebrew Congregation.

Paying tribute to him, Bury's deputy mayor and Pilkington Park councillor Michelle Wiseman said: "I am shocked at the untimely and sudden passing of Paul. I had known him and Shirley for many years since our children were at primary school together.

"I will always remember Paul’s helpful and wise words of advice prior to me taking up the role of Mayor in 2014. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Mr Paul Davies, who co-founded Mistal in 1981, said: "I was very proud to have known Paul and he always worked hard. Myself and all the staff here wish to pass on our condolences."

Councillor Stella Smith, the current Mayor of Bury, said: “I was saddened to hear of Paul’s death, as he served the borough with distinction. My sympathies go to his friends and family, to whom the council sends its condolences.”

A funeral service took place at Philips Park cemetery in Whitefield on Monday.