A "GREAT servant" of councils across North Yorkshire has died.

Gordon Horner, 73, of Huby, served councils across the Hambleton district during his life in the parish.

A farmer by trade, Mr Horner served on Hambleton District Council from its creation in 1973 to his retirement before this month's elections. He also served on Huby Parish Council until this year.

An independent councillor throughout his career, he served as chairman of Hambleton District Council for two years from 1992 to 1994, on which he represented Huby and Sutton.

In earlier years, Mr Horner was chairman of the old Easingwold Rural District Council, and was chairman of the village hall committee for 17 years from 1952.

He lived in Huby with his Dutch-born wife, Martha.

Mr Horner followed the family tradition of farming, and in recent years was renowned for still driving his tractor through the village while singing. He was formerly a member of an amateur dramatic society.

Hambleton District Council's former leader, June Imeson, said: "He was a great raconteur. He was full of jokes and fun. He always had something funny to say. He was a very popular and conscientious councillor."

"He was a great servant of both the parish and the district," said Huby Parish Council chairman Richard Staples. "People said that if you wanted to get something done Gordon was your man."

Updated: 09:17 Thursday, May 22, 2003