Tributes have been paid to long-serving council clerk and community figure Ted Bocking.

The Hunts Post: (second from left) Ted Bocking, former Huntingdon Town Clerk, and fundraiser, at the Mayor Making Ceremony of George Beevor,(second from left) Ted Bocking, former Huntingdon Town Clerk, and fundraiser, at the Mayor Making Ceremony of George Beevor, (Image: Archant)

Mr Bocking served as clerk to Huntingdon and Godmanchester Borough Council from 1980-82, before going on to serve as clerk for Huntingdon Town Council from 1982-2002.

He was also president of the Huntingdon branch of St John Ambulance and was a trustee of the Ladybird Boat Trust.

Councillor John Davies, who worked with Mr Bocking through St John Ambulance, said: “I knew Ted for 25 years – since I was first elected as a councillor and I had great admiration for him. He was very businesslike and it didn’t matter which party you represented, he was always strictly apolitical.

“He supported the St John Ambulance building in Huntingon through his role as a freeman and he managed to get some funds raised towards it. He was an all-round gentleman and a good egg.”

Mr Bocking, of Houghton, died on April 5 at the Sue Ryder Hospice in Moggerhanger, Bedfordshire.

In his time as council clerk, he helped support 16 mayors, including Doug McIlwain, who was mayor of Huntingdon in 2001-02 – the year Mr Bocking retired.

Councillor McIlwain said: “Ted Bocking was not just a town clerk when I was mayor, he was like a father figure. He put the chain on me all those years ago and told me to go and enjoy it. Those words will stay with me forever.

“He was a true gentleman and his advice was absolutely invaluable. It will be a big loss for Huntingdon and a big loss for me personally.”

Details of a service of thanksgiving are to be confirmed. Donations in lieu of flowers should be sent to Cancer Research UK or the Sue Ryder Hospice, Moggerhanger. Contact William Peacock and Son on 01480 453882.