Tributes have been paid to a long-standing town councillor and businessman who was known for his indomitable spirit.

Eastern Daily Press: Tributes have been paid to Attleborough councillor Geoff Ellis. He is pictured here (far right), at the town's Queen's Square with fellow community leaders in 2015, after new railings were installed. Picture: Sonya Duncan.Tributes have been paid to Attleborough councillor Geoff Ellis. He is pictured here (far right), at the town's Queen's Square with fellow community leaders in 2015, after new railings were installed. Picture: Sonya Duncan. (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic � 2015)

Tributes have been paid to a long-standing town councillor and businessman who was known for his indomitable spirit.

Geoff Ellis, of Attleborough, died last month aged 75 after losing his fight with cancer.

Mr Ellis was born in Great Ellingham and was an apprentice butcher before moving to South Africa for four years in the 1970s.

After returning to Attleborough, he bought the butcher's shop in Church Street where he learned his trade and ran it until he retired.

He then became a town councillor, working hard to contribute to town life.

His son, Elliot Ellis, said: 'His heart was in Attleborough and he always wanted the best for the town.

'He was very outspoken and, like a Jack Russell, when he got his teeth into something he would never let go. If he was asked to do something he would get it sorted. Even if you didn't answer the phone he would keep ringing, he was very persistent.'

With Avril Howell, he provided the town's Christmas lights display and also sourced the annual Christmas tree for Queen's Square.

Elliot said Mr Ellis had already organised the tree for this year's, and next year's, festivities, as he knew he would not be around to see them.

He said: 'That was the sort of bloke he was. He always planned ahead and made sure everything was done correctly.'

A spokesman from Attleborough Town Council said in a statement: 'Geoff Ellis was described by family as an 'Alfie' character, with a similar charisma to Michael Caine in the 1966 film, and all that knew him would agree he never lost his charm and he will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family at this sad time.'

Family, friends and town residents came together to say goodbye to Mr Ellis at a funeral service at St Mary's Church on July 12.

Elliot said 500-600 people paid their respects to Mr Ellis.

He said: 'The town centre streets were closed off and everyone walked through the town. All the shopkeepers stood outside their shops. It was quite touching and showed he was obviously a well-respected person.'

Mr Ellis is survived by his wife, Barbara, grandchildren Amaya, Imari and Nicassio and his brothers Ivan and Joey.