Tributes have flooded in following the death of councillor John Groom, described as a 'true Bungay man'.

Mr Groom passed away suddenly this week surrounded by his friends and family, aged 70.

As tributes poured in, he was described as a 'hugely dedicated' and 'respected public servant' by Waveney District Council.

He served Waveney as a ward councillor for Bungay since his first election in 2000.

As well as a dedicated businessman, Mr Groom was also a town councillor, the Town Reeve, and had been the Mayor of Bungay on three separate occasions.

He served numerous committees including regular stints as the chair of the council's Planning Committee.

He was also well known for running a popular catering company with his wife Jayne.

John was in the butchery trade for 55 years and ran his own shop, John Groom Butchers, for 35 years.

John and Jayne spent time keeping shire horses and had Suffolk Punch horses which they were took to country fairs and horse trials.

Councillor Mark Bee, Leader of Waveney District Council, said: 'We are stunned and trying to come to terms with the news of John's sudden passing.

'He was a wonderful local figure, a man of great warmth and determination who dedicated much of his life to local people and communities. John's passing will leave a huge hole in many lives and Waveney will be a poorer place without him.'

Mick Lincoln, Mayor of Bungay, described John as an 'important member of the community'.

'We were shocked and saddened and our thoughts are with his wife and family in this time,' Mr Lincoln said.

'The suddenness makes it all the more poignant [his impact on the community].'

Terry Reeve described Mr Groom and his wife Jayne as 'exceedingly generous to every organisation' in Bungay.

'He will leave a big gap - his legacy was a Bungay man and he fought in Bungay's corner very strongly,' Mr Reeve said.

Waveney District Council said: 'The thoughts of everyone at Waveney District Council are with Jayne and all of John's close friends and family.'