IPSWICH: Grandchildren of former mayor Don Edwards have paid tribute to a “caring and loving man”.

Mr Edwards, 76, who represented the Gainsborough ward for the borough for nearly 30 years, died at Addenbrooke’s hospital, Cambridge, on Saturday after a brain haemorrhage.

Mr Edwards was known for his love of Ipswich and its football team.

Today, his grandchildren, Charlene Burman, Alexander and Emily Edwards remembered Mr Edwards’ kindhearted nature.

Miss Burman said: “He was a caring and loving man who will be sadly missed by us all. My children and I will miss him dearly and we love him more than words can say.”

Alexander added: “He was the best grandfather in the world, I couldn’t have wished for anyone better. He was always there for me any time I ever needed him.

“He was the most caring , loving man I’ve ever known and he’s lived life to the max.”

Emily Edwards said her grandfather was with the angels. She said: “Thinking of all the happy memories which I will never forget.”

The funeral of Don Edwards will take place on May 24 at 11.30am at Ipswich Crematorium, West Chapel. Any donations are asked to be made to the Cats Protection League or the Guide Dogs For The Blind. They can be sent to East of England Co-operative Funeral Service.

n See page 22 for Paul Geater’s column.

n Do you want to pay a tribute to Don Edwards? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk