A FORMER town mayor and borough councillor who “always served the best interests of residents” has been remembered by loved ones and colleagues.

David John Chapman, former Worthing borough councillor and mayor of the town, died on Thursday, December 7, aged 68 at his home in Spain.

The son of another former mayor, Frederick Chapman, David was a pupil at West Tarring Boys School, which later became known as Worthing High School in 1982 after merging with Gaisford High School.

He developed a passion for politics and an interest in his local community at a young age and joined Worthing Borough Council in 1983.

David’s hard work did not go unnoticed and he eventually achieved his lifelong ambition when he was appointed as mayor of the town in 1998, serving for a year.

David was subsequently made Alderman of Worthing on September 4, 2003.

He also worked in the hotel industry for some time with his brother Christopher, the owner of hotel chain South Coast Inns.

Paying tribute to his brother, Christopher said: “David was an energetic, kind-hearted and clever man who was dedicated to his family.

“He was energetically proud of his town and will be fondly remembered as always serving the best interests of the residents of his ward.

“He will leave behind many fond memories in the hearts of those who knew him.”

During his last year in office, he met his new party leader William Hague on a tour of the town.

The meeting came after David chose to defect to the Conservatives from the Liberal Democrats.

The Tory leader met David outside Worthing Lido, where Mr Hague was giving a talk to local Conservative candidates in the run-up to local council elections.

The Argus reported that year that David said: “I feel really at home with the Tory Party and I’ve had lots of letters of support.”

Robert Smytherman, Worthing borough councillor for Tarring ward and town crier, said: “It is a very sad loss.

“Serving the borough as mayor is a really important role as I know from doing it myself.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

David’s beloved wife Dawn passed away suddenly just under a year ago.

David is survived by his daughter Tanya, son Gareth and his grandchildren.

He is also fondly remembered and missed by his brother Christopher, his sister-in-law Delia and his nephews.

His funeral took place in Alicante, Spain on December 15.

To pay respect to David after his death, Worthing Town Hall flew its town and union flags at half mast for the day on December 19.