Council mourns mayor's death

Mr Smith was interested in bee-keeping

Erewash Borough Council is mourning the death of Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Brian Smith.

He died on Monday night at Derby City and General Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment for a kidney complaint.

Leader of Erewash Borough Council, Councillor Robert Parkinson, paid tribute to Mr Smith.

He said: "Brian had proved to be a very effective mayor.

"It is a great tragedy he has not been able to complete his term in office."

Mr Smith, 67, had been a Conservative member of the borough council for the past 17 years

He became Mayor of Erewash following the council elections in May 2003.