THE Lord of the Manorial Borough of Newton Abbot has led tributes to a stalwart of the town.

Michael Davies, who passed away this week aged 86, has been described as a ‘chivalrous, courteous and honourable man: a perfect gentleman, a perfect husband’ by Keith Stokes-Smith, a close friend and Lord of the Manorial Borough of Newton Abbot.

Though he had suffered serious heart problems some years ago, Michael’s passing came quite suddenly, the Mid-Devon Advertiser understands.

‘He was a fighter and only a couple of weeks ago he attended Newton Abbot’s town criers competition as escort to his wife, the Borough Town Crier, where he won best dressed escort’ Mr Stokes-Smith said.

‘Despite his age he continued to support his wife Eveline who herself at 92 is not in the best of health, attending meetings of the Newton Abbot and District Civic Society, the Court Leet and Court Baron and the annual Newton Abbot Charity Town Ball.

‘One can only admire his commitment and dedication.’

‘Thank you Michael for being you’ Mr Stokes-Smith added.