A Stevenage councillor, who "was always ready, willing and available to help anyone", has died suddenly at home.

Liberal Democrat Graham Snell, who was a widower, died unexpectedly on Friday.

He leaves behind three children - Louise, Daniel and Matthew - and three grandchildren.

Graham, who lived in St Nicholas, grew up in Lincolnshire before moving to Stevenage.

He worked for many years in the local retail trade, so he was very well known to many Stevenage residents.

"Graham was above all a generous and supportive family man," said the Stevenage Liberal Democrats in a tribute to Graham.

"Liberal Democrats all remember him as our friend and colleague.

"He was always ready, willing and available to help anyone, with a cheerful manner and a thorough, caring approach."

Graham was a Stevenage borough councillor for 26 years continuously from 1998 - first for the former Mobbsbury ward and then, from 1999, the present Manor ward.

The Stevenage Liberal Democrats said: "He worked tirelessly for both the Liberal Democrats and Stevenage Borough Council.

"He served on a number of committees, but in particular on the Planning and Development Committee, where his local knowledge and interests were evident."

Manor ward councillor Robin Parker said: "We are all greatly shocked and saddened by Graham’s passing. It has had a devastating impact on us all. Everyone knew him and liked him.

"Naturally, our thoughts at this time are with all of Graham’s family and friends."