TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Mayor of Waltham Forest and lifelong community champion who has died aged 80.

Ken Sanders MBE, who was mayor between 1980 and 81, died of pneumonia on April 12, following a long battle with a degenerative condition and was described by his family as a "caring, hard-working man" and a "great humanitarian".

The father-of-four, grandfather-of-seven and great-grandfather-of-three worked for numerous charities throughout his life and served the council as mayor, vice mayor and deputy mayor.

Mr Sanders was also a founder member of both Age Concern Waltham Forest and the Council of Voluntary Services (now Voluntary Action Waltham Forest).

His daughter, Barbara Tew, who now lives in France, said: “He was also an alderman which was quite a special thing and he was president of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and vice-president of Mencap.

“We’re talking about a wonderful man. All of his children have gone into the caring profession because of him.”

He received his MBE in 1995 for his services to the community and also worked with mentally disabled children through Mencap.

His other daughter, Betty Hales, who still lives in Chingford, added: “He was a very big family man.

He was very principled and committed and had a lot of faith in human nature.”

Having grown up in Islington, Mr Sanders moved to Chingford and stayed there for more than half a century, raising his family there and working in local government for 20 years.

As well as his work with Age Concern, he was also chairman of the Crossroads carers’ scheme, chairman of Waltham Forest Carers’ Association and a lay inspector for the Social Services Inspectorate.

“Right from a young age, he had an empathy with old people but it wasn’t just Age Concern,” Mrs Hales said.

“He cared about people and wanted to make a difference in their lives.”

And his wife Elizabeth, who died in 1984, shared his passion for working for the local community.

“They spent all their time working for other people,” Mrs Hales said.

Sheena Dunbar, director of Age Concern Waltham Forest, added: "Ken was an inspiration to everyone at Age Concern, both while a member of the board and as honorary president.

"His legacy will continue for many years within the organisation."

The funeral is to be held on April 29 at Chingford Old Church at 11.30am and anyone who knew Mr Sanders is welcome to attend.

His family have also requested that donations be made to Age Concern or Whipps Cross University Hospital in his name.