Richmond Councillors paid tribute to former Leader Serge Lourie last night, 1 October, praising his stalwart public service, charity work and kindness.

Lourie served as Leader of Richmond Council from 2001 to 2002 and 2006 to 2010 and was a Kew Ward Councillor for nearly three decades, from 1982 to 2010.

Lourie was a member of the Liberal Democrats, and is remembered for his passion for public service and deep commitment to his local community.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council said: "Serge's work as Council Leader was in many ways visionary.

"He did such an enormous amount and he tried to make lives better, whether it was people in Kew where he served with distinction or people within the borough as a whole. He will be missed."

Lourie was also a long-time trustee of Richmond Charities, where he chaired the Finance Committee, and was deeply involved in supporting Almshouse residents.

He was equally committed to healthcare, serving as Chair of the Friends of Kingston Hospital.

An enthusiastic marathon runner, he combined his love for fitness with community outreach, leading guided walks around Richmond and recently organising a Couch to 5K group to encourage inactive residents to get active.

Lourie lived in Kew with his wife Julia and was the proud father of two daughters.

His family has asked for donations in his memory to Kingston Hospital or The Avenue Club in Kew, two causes close to his heart.

Councillors observed a one-minute silence in Serge's memory.