'Dedicated' Liberal Democrat peer Lord Cotter dies aged 87

Lord Cotter of Congresbury has died aged 87

Tributes have been paid to Lord Brian Cotter of Congresbury, who has died at the age of 87.

Lord Cotter was the Liberal Democrat MP for Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset from 1997 to 2005, and a member of the House of Lords for 17 years.

He had been living with dementia and died on Tuesday.

His family said he was an "inspiration" and would be "remembered for his enthusiasm and energy for life".

North Somerset councillor Mike Bell, who represents Weston-super-Mare, paid tribute to Lord Cotter, saying he was "dedicated" to public service.

"He was a good, kind man who was dedicated to public service.

"He had been a campaigner, councillor, MP and Peer and supported numerous good causes, local charities and groups over many decades."

Lord Cotter took the formerly Conservative seat of Weston-super-Mare at his second attempt in 1997 and held it in 2001.

A relative latecomer to politics, Lord Cotter joined the Liberal Democrats in his 40s.