Tributes have poured in for a former town clerk who made a "huge contribution" to the town.

Bn Gillis, Bridport's town clerk for 11 years, has died aged 61, after a lengthy struggle with cancer.

Bob served as town clerk from 2007 to 2018, part of a long career in local government. During his time in Bridport, he oversaw a significant expansion in the town council's operation as it took on services from the district and county councils, and a major refurbishment of Bridport Town Hall.

Former council leader, councillor Sarah Williams, said: "I was terribly sad to hear the news of Bob's passing. He was a modest man and reluctant to take credit for his achievements, but make no mistake, his was a huge contribution to the town. I cannot express how valuable his support to me was, during my time as Leader, and my thoughts today are with his wife Fiona and children Ellie and Rory."

Bridport mayor Cllr Ian Bark also paid tribute and said: "I was a parish councillor when Bob was town clerk, but came to know him well, particularly through his work on the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan - a lasting legacy for the town. He made many friends among councillors, colleagues and residents, all of whom are devastated to hear of his passing."

Current town council leader, Cllr Dave Rickard, said: "Bob was the model professional as town clerk. He was a supportive and steadying influence as the town council developed its increasingly ambitious projects such as Community Justice Panels, the developing Rights Respecting project and climate change action. We were extraordinarily fortunate to have him here in Bridport and will remember him fondly and are thinking of his family at this difficult time."

Bob retired in July 2018 and moved to the Bristol area. Away from work, his passions were his family, and sport, including cricket and horse racing but particularly football, as a lifelong supporter of Charlton Athletic.

The town flag will fly at half mast on the Town Hall this week in memory of Bob, and councillors will pay tribute at their meeting on Tuesday, September 21.

Don't forget to sign up to our newsletter below!

You can submit your own news straight to Bridport Nub News by using the 'Nub It' button on our home page. This can also be done for events on our What's On page and businesses, groups and organisations on our Local Listings page , also by using the 'Nub It' button.

Please like and follow our online newspaper on your favourite social media channel. You can find us @BridportNubNews on Facebook and Twitter.