Town's 'brave' first black mayor dies aged 87

Mr Critchlow, pictured in his official mayoral robe, served as mayor from 2004 to 2005

Tributes have been paid to a town's first black mayor, who has died aged 87.

Roderick Critchlow, also known as Roddy Francis, was a borough councillor for 32 years and served as Darlington mayor between 2004 and 2005.

Mr Critchlow arrived in the UK from Trinidad as a young man before moving to Darlington "by accident" when a train left without him.

His granddaughter Kizzy Railton led tributes and said her grandfather would be remembered for being "brave and courageous".

Ms Railton said as a young man Mr Critchlow was hit by a US army truck. He was in hospital for about a year until he recovered.

"That sums him up," she said. "He wasn't one to give up."

Mr Critchlow left Trinidad when he was 17, and after a brief period in Paris he moved to the UK.

"He came to Darlington by accident," Ms Railton said.

"He was on a train to Edinburgh and got off at Darlington for a cup of tea and then the train left without him."

Mr Critchlow's passport photo at the time he arrived in the UK from Trinidad

After the train left, Mr Critchlow decided to stay in the town and, in 1958, he married his wife Marjorie.

"They fell in love and he married her and they had a very successful marriage," his granddaughter added.

"They were faced with prejudice all their life.

"It hasn't been easy for him but he always kept positive and got on with it."

Mr Critchlow was presented with the citizen of the year award at the Best of Darlington awards

Mr Critchlow committed himself to serving his community, and in 1987 he began representing Eastbourne South ward as a Labour councillor.

He became the council's first black mayor in 2004 and continued to serve as a councillor until he retired in 2019.

Mr Critchlow was born Roderick Francis to Nora Francis and Roderick Critchlow.

When his father died 10 years ago, Mr Critchlow changed his name in honour of his father.

He was the former chairman of Firthmoor Community Centre, where a room is named after him.

'Force for good'

Eastbourne councillor Kevin Nicholson said: "We thank Roddy for his service.

"He was an incredible force for good in Firthmoor, whose team worked to build what we have today.

"We should all be proud of his leadership and legacy, which is everlasting."

Stephen Harker, leader of Darlington Borough Council said: "I will remember him as a wonderful colleague, with a warm personality and a witty sense of humour.

"He was a real champion for his ward, even after he retired from the council. He will be very sadly missed."

Mr Critchlow died on 10 February.

He is survived by his daughter Linda, son Christopher, granddaughter and three great-grandchildren.