Members of Nettleham and Saxilby Liberal Democrats have paid tribute to Councillor Ray Sellars, whose funeral took place on Wednesday 18^th July at Nettleham Parish Church.

Councillors Sellars, who was born in Welton, but who had lived in Nettleham for many years, was well known in the villages, both as County Councillor (for the Nettleham and Saxilby Division) and also as a West Lindsey District Councillor (for the Nettleham Ward) and as a member of the Lincolnshire Police Authority, offices which he held up to his death after a short illness.

Ray was always a firm believer in improving attitudes in political life by example, for the benefit of his residents. However impressive their support for him in terms of sizeable personal votes, Ray never allowed this to divert him from his work ethic of "being there for them" and making everyday village life easier for all.

He has always been well regarded as a friendly, approachable and effective Councillor. In turn, he greatly appreciated the considerable support of his residents, both on the political scene as a Liberal Democrat, and among the village organisations in which he had devoted so much time and capability, with the encouragement of his wife, June

Ray was a friend to all, who will be much missed by the communities that he served so well.

Sheila Turner,

Chairman, Nettleham & District Liberal Democrats

Cllr John Marriott, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on the County Council, said:

"I have known Ray and his wife June since Ray and I were both first elected to the County Council in 2001.

Ray was a fantastic human being, a dedicated councillor, husband, father, grandfather and friend.

It was a pleasure to have worked closely with him over these past eleven years. No task was too small for him to undertake. Often working quietly in the background he represented all the people of the Nettleham and Saxilby Division without fear or favour and will leave a deep space in many people's lives.

We shall all miss him greatly at County Hall. He was an example to us all."