IPSWICH: Mourners were today due to gather for the funeral of former Ipswich mayor Don Edwards.

The 76-year-old, who represented the Gainsborough ward for the borough for nearly 30 years, died at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, on April 30 after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Mr Edwards, who was passionate about Ipswich and the town’s football club, served as mayor of the borough in 2000/2001.

His funeral was due to take place at 11.30am today at the West Chapel at Ipswich Crematorium.

Tributes have flooded in to The Evening Star’s offices from family, friends and former colleagues since his death.

Councillor John Mowles said: “Don was a very special man, a fine man, and no one who knew him had a bad word to say about him.”

Mr Edwards’s popularity transcended party boundaries.

Former Tory and council leader Liz Harsant described him as a kind and welcoming character.

“We struck a friendship from the moment that we met, regardless of us being in opposition,” she said.

“One of his great loves was Ipswich Town and I will always remember him wearing a scarf as mayor.

“He was such a gentleman – a caring gentleman – and you don’t get too many of those these days.”

Mr Edwards – known to friends as Donny, leaves a widow, Wanda, and son, David.

Any donations in Mr Edwards’ memory are asked to be made to the Cats Protection League or the Guide Dogs For The Blind. They can be sent to East of England Co-operative Funeral Service.

n Would you like to pay tribute to Don Edwards? Or do you have a memory of him you would like to share? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk