Peter Barwell of Bloxham, a former Lord Mayor of Birmingham, has died

Mr Barwell attended Bloxham School which has posted a fulsome tribute to him on its website.

Sir Tony Baldry, former MP for Banbury and High Steward of Banbury and a close neighbour of Mr Barwell, said: "He ran a successful printing business in Birmingham where he was a city councillor for many years and in due course became Lord Mayor of Birmingham and was made an MBE.

"On retiring he moved to Bloxham. Along with Yvonne Huntriss, Peter Barwell was the inspiration for the setting up of the Bloxham Village Museum and for many years provided the leadership to encourage volunteers to keep open the museum, regularly changing the exhibits.

"Peter was very public spirited and always worked for the common good."

Bloxham School's tribute said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of much-admired alumnus, former Governor and life-long friend of the school, Peter Barwell.

"During his time at school he was awarded a Bloxham Standard for boxing, received a prize for his great achievements with the gardening club and in his leaving year won the photographic prize.

"His loyalty and passion for the prosperity of the school has held strong from the moment he left, right up until his last days. His efforts continued overseas and even on personal trips he sought to meet friends of the school on the other side of the world in Australia and New Zealand.

"In his professional life, Peter had a successful career. He was also a stalwart of the Birmingham Conservative Association, first serving as Chairman of the Central Council of Birmingham Young Conservatives and then in 1966, he was elected as one of two city councillors.

"His dedication continued and in 1985, he was awarded the Golden Cross of Merit for special services to the Polish community and in 1992 he was appointed as Lord Mayor of Birmingham. One of his career highlights was as founder and organiser of the Birmingham Superprix, a highly successful Formula 3000 held in the heart of the city between 1985 - 1989.

"Peter always had a sense of adventure and fun. He was known in the 1960s to be ‘zooming around in his red Sprite and deerstalker hat’. And in 1972, Peter was one of the first people to go around the athletics track at the Olympic Stadium in Munich where he 'trotted around in his bowler hat'. He was reported to say: 'We just did it for a bit of light relief'."

Peter is survived by his wife Pam, who was a supporting figure at his side at Bloxham events since their engagement in 1960, and their children.