TRIBUTES have been paid to the former mayor of Crawley who will be "sorely missed" following his death.

Councillor Raj Sharma held the role in 2016/17 and 2019/20, as well as representing Southgate as a ward member since 2014.

The Crawley flag will fly at half-mast on the day of his funeral and a minute’s silence will be observed at the next Full Council meeting on Wednesday 24 February.

The councillor, who died on Tuesday, was described as being "proud of what he did".

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A statement from Crawley Borough Council said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Councillor Raj Sharma, who passed away yesterday.

He will be sorely missed by staff, members and the Crawley communities in which he was passionately involved in.

"He was very proud of what he achieved and was able to raise for his charities during his two years as Mayor of Crawley.

"The Crawley flag will fly at half-mast on the day of his funeral and a minute’s silence will be observed at the next Full Council meeting on Wednesday 24 February.

"Our thoughts are with Raj’s wife, Bhavna, his family and friends.

"These messages will be collated and passed to Raj’s family."