TRIBUTES have been paid to a family man and local Labour councillor who died while on holiday in France.

It is believed that Dursley’s deputy mayor, Daryl Matthews, drowned while on holiday with his children and wife on Tuesday.

Daryl, father of Rosa and Charley and husband to Victoria, had been deputy mayor in Dursley for two years and had previously been leader of the local Labour group.

"It was a great shock and sense of loss to hear of the death of Daryl," said Geoff Wheeler, chairman of Stroud district Labour group.

"He was always approachable on any problem and usually had good advice even when we disagreed on a matter.

"With his death I have lost not only a close colleague but a good friend."

David Drew, MP for the Stroud constituency, said: "I shall miss Daryl as a comrade, a colleague, a fellow Forest Green supporter and a friend.

"He has been the best sort of friend – reliable and true, always there to offer support and advice. I shall miss him."