FORMER Enfield mayor Stanley Carter has died aged 85. Mr Carter had a short bout of septicaemia and passed away peacefully on July 2 at Chase Farm Hospital.

He was first elected to Enfield Council in 1978 and represented Jubilee Ward and later Southbury Ward from 1994 to 2002.

A father of four, Mr Carter was made a freeman of the borough in 2003 and also acted as chairman of the Enfield pensioners' action group.

He served in various sub committees including environment, leisure, housing and personnel and became mayor in 1998.

Born in Bradford in October 1923, he graduated from Ruskin College, Oxford.

He was chairman of the Edmonton Labour Party and a local councillor for many years before becoming mayor of Enfield.

Mr Carter, who described himself as a 'Mancunian by birth and an Enfieldian by adoption', served in the navy during the war and later worked in the newspaper industry for more than 20 years.

Councillor Jeff Rodin, leader of the opposition Labour group on Enfield Council, said: “Stan was a highly principled councillor who was unafraid of speaking the truth and fighting for what he believed.

"Throughout his life he retained his ideals and served this borough well both in committees and as mayor. Our sincerest sympathies go to his family.”

The leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Mike Rye, said: “Stan was a doughty champion for all people and a well respected councillor.

"He was hard working and a worthy opponent in political combat. I am sure that all sides of the council will join me in sending sincerest condolences to his family.”

Mr Carter's funeral will be held at the Enfield Crematorium, this coming Friday, at 11.15am.

Flowers can be sent via Aaron Black, Funeral Directors, 6 Bush Hill Parade, Bury Street West, London N9 9JS Tel. 020 8364 2255.