A VETERAN councillor whose vision led to the children's playground and fountain at Windsor's Bachelors Acre has died aged 72.

Richard Fagence served as a Liberal Democrat councillor on the Royal Borough for 17 years.

His wife Catherine said he was a passionate supporter of the Liberal Democrat party, who got great satisfaction from the years he spent representing the Clewer South ward - particularly as a lead member for leisure and culture.

His vision led to the playground and fountain at Bachelors Acre as well as the Clewer Memorial Ground play area. He was also dedicated to libraries in the borough.

He cut a unique figure with his full white beard.

His wife said: "Nothing would have persuaded him to shave it off - even to raise money for charity."

Mr Fagence was born in Maidenhead but grew up in Gloucestershire, before a job as a teacher in Slough brought him back to live in Windsor.

His varied working life saw him teaching technical English to flying personnel in Saudi Arabia for a while. He also worked as a salesman for BMW where he met his wife Catherine who was a secretary there - they were married for 28 years.

He spent 10 years working for Thames Valley police in a civilian capacity, providing a vital link with members of the public as he dealt with emergency calls.

But his wife said politics was always a vital part of his life.

She said: "He was passionate about politics and very good at it.

"He cared about Windsor and made a major contribution to the planning panel."

He also collected stamps and was a dedicated Everton supporter.

Mr Fagence died at home in Wolf Lane after a battle with cancer. His wife praised the rapid response team from Windsor's Thames Hospice and short term support workers from the Royal Borough who had enabled him to die at home.

She also praised care staff on ward nine at Wexham Park Hospital, Slough who looked after her husband before he came home.