Coun Sprigg, who represented Clipstone, died suddenly at his home on Wednesday at the age of 80 after recovering from a heart bypass earlier this year.

He has been an Independent councillor since being first elected to the district council in 1999 and was vice-chairman of the authority in 2003/04.

Coun Gill Dawn, leader of the Independent group, said Coun Sprigg was a dedicated councilor who cared for his community.

She said: "Len worked tremendously hard for the people of Clipstone. He was especially interested in planning matters and had attended site visits and then Planning Committee only on Tuesday, a day before he passed away.

"Len was just beginning to get back into the swing of things after recovering from a heart bypass earlier this year, so to lose him so suddenly is particularly sad. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family at this difficult time."

Coun Sprigg was the leader of the Independent group from 2003-2007 and has been deputy since then. He was also a member of Clipstone Parish Council for the Kings Clipstone ward.

The flag at Kelham Hall is being flown at half mast and a minute's silence will be held by councillors before their full council meeting on Tuesday 23rd.

His funeral will be held on Friday (26th) at All Saints' Church in Clipstone at 2.45pm followed by a private cremation.