The leader of a Cambridgeshire council has paid tribute to the train driver who died in a major crash last week.
Shaun Burton, 60, sadly died after two East Midlands Railway trains collided near Bedford on Friday June 19.
Mr Burton served on Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) between 2018 and 2022 as an HDC Independent Group councillor for The Stukeleys ward.
Sarah Conboy, leader of HDC, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Shaun Burton, a former Huntingdonshire District councillor, in the recent train crash.
"His loss is profoundly felt, both by his family and across the local community he served.
“During his time as an HDC Independent Group councillor for The Stukeleys ward from 2018 to 2022, and through his work on the Corporate Governance Committee and Development Management Committee, Shaun made a valued and lasting contribution to Huntingdonshire.
"He was dedicated to his role and consistently sought to make a positive difference for those he represented.
"His commitment to public service and his passion for the community will long be remembered.
“At this very difficult time, my heartfelt thoughts and sincere condolences are with Shaun’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
A representative from Aslef, the train drivers' union, said Mr Burton was dedicated to his job, devoted to his colleagues and “enormously popular at his depot”.
Mr Burton's family said: “We are devastated by his loss.
“Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident.”
Around 100 other people were injured in the crash when the front of the 4.40pm service from Corby to London St Pancras hit the rear of the 3.50pm service from Nottingham to the same destination.
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