TRIBUTES have been paid to the first chairman of Denbighshire County Council, who has died at the age of 96.

Rhys Webb OBE, for many years the councillor for Carrog, was the first chairman of Denbighshire back in 1995.

Current Denbighshire County Council chairman Cllr Arwel Roberts said: “On behalf of everyone at Denbighshire County Council our thoughts are with former Cllr Webb’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“The first chairman of Denbighshire Council in 1995, he had been involved in politics in one way or another since 1949 and had over 50 years’ experience before retiring in 2004.

"He touched the lives of thousands both inside and outside the organisation and is fondly remembered by all of those who knew him.

“In 1996 he was awarded an OBE for his services to the community and to this day leaves a lasting legacy in the county.”

Cllr Webb was married to his late wife Valmai for 61 years and they have three children, eight grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.

He first became involved in politics back in 1949 when he was elected to the community council of Llansantffraid Glyn Dyfrdwy.

By 1958, he was standing as an independent candidate for Merioneth County Council.

He always remained an independent candidate and representative during a distinguished career that saw him become involved in a wide range of local government and charitable activities.

For 15 years up until 1974, he served on many hospital management committees, including the Wrexham Maelor and the old North Wales Hospital and he was a member of Merioneth Health Committee.

In 1972, Cllr Webb became the chairman of Merioneth County Council and this was followed a decade later by becoming the chairman of Clwyd County Council.

Then, in 1995, he was elected as the first chairman of Denbighshire County Council and the deputy presiding officer of the Welsh Local Government Association.

He also served on the board of the Land Authority for Wales and North Wales Police Authority, becoming chairman of the latter.

Cllr Alan Hughes, who represents Edeirnion on Denbighshire County Council, said: "Everybody knows Rhys Webb.

"People knew to go to him and he was very highly thought of, especially with my father's generation.

"He will be sorely missed.

"He was involved with everything.

"He was supportive to everything in the area.

"He had Edeyrnion at heart."