CIVIC leaders have been paying tribute to former council chief executive Terry Musgrave, who died last week aged 61.

Mr Musgrave was only 31 when he beat 60 other candidates to take the top job in Bexley in 1975 a position he held for 20 years.

He leaves a widow and three children.

Councillor Len Newton, who worked alongside Mr Musgrave for 17 years as Tory leader of the council, said: "I shall sadly miss him. It was as a result of the hard work he put in over many years Bexley became the excellent council it is today."

Present leader Councillor Chris Ball said: "All those who worked with Terry Musgrave will be very sad to learn of his passing."

Mr Musgrave's funeral will take place in north Kent on Friday followed by a service for close family and friends. For further details, call the mayor's office on 020 8294 6153.