TOM Collinson, district councillor for Backwell, died of a heart attack yesterday (Wed).

Cllr Collinson, aged 81, had been on the phone to his colleague Karen Barclay when he suffered a heart attack and died at his home in Dark Lane.

The chartered engineer had been a North Somerset councillor since 2007 and before that he was also on the parish council and chairman of the residents’ association.

He worked tirelessly for the people of Backwell, along with fellow independent councillor Karen Barclay, on planning and highway issues such as Bristol Airport, the Barrow Gurney bypass and the implications of the core strategy on North Somerset villages.

His death has come as a huge shock to family, friends and colleagues. Keep an eye on our website for funeral details and tributes from family and friends. Post your tributes below.