TRIBUTES have been paid to a former mayor of High Wycombe who has passed away aged 90.

Ted Collins, an elected Labour councillor, served on Wycombe District Council for 16 years and became group leader of the Labour party in 1995.

He was mayor of the town in 1992 and although he retired from active political duties, he was made an honorary alderman in 2005 in recognition of his contributions.

He sadly passed away on August 17.

A minute’s silence was held in memory of Ted at a special council meeting days after his death.

Ted served as a school governor for both Castlefield and Verney Avenue schools and was chair of governors at Castlefield School where he served for 20 years.

Keen to improve the life skills of many local deprived children, Ted gathered funding to set up SKIDZ, a regional charity giving young people a chance to learn skills in the motor trade, and he was a trustee for 12 years.

Bucks charities also benefited from Ted’s “indefatigable” work such as the Ian Rennie Hospice at Home Nursing project, of which Ted became an Honorary Life Vice President.

With his enthusiasm as chairman, he raised more than £500,000 during the 19 years of his involvement.

He was also instrumental in raising more than £4 million over several years for numerous other charities.

For relaxation Ted promoted dahlia cultivation throughout the world and was an acknowledged expert.

He lectured and judged in the USA, Canada and New Zealand and is a published Author of several key books on Dahlias.

At various times Ted was Secretary, Treasurer, Chairman and President of the National Dahlia Society and won countless awards for his outstanding plants.

He was also a lifelong Chelsea fan.