One of Somerton's favourite sons will take a final journey through the town centre to allow people to pay their respects.

Councillor Dean Ruddle represented the Somerton division on Somerset Council, as well as being responsible for overseeing the council's adult social care services on the executive.

Mr Ruddle, known affectionately as "Mr Somerton", passed away suddenly at his family home on Cartway Lane on January 5, prompting an outpouring of tributes from friends and fellow councillors.

Mr Ruddle's family has now published details of his funeral, which will include a procession through Somerton town centre to allow residents to say goodbye.

In their official funeral notice, Mr Ruddle's family him as "a colleague and a true friend to everyone.

"He was a doting husband and soul-mate to Rachael for an incredible 42 years. He was a loving father to four amazing children, and an outstanding and proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren.

"He was an incredibly proud, kind and generous man, his greatest achievement apart from his huge family was becoming a successful town, district and county councillor.

"He has left a legacy behind and we are immensely proud to be a part of his family."

Mr Ruddle's funeral will be held in Somerton on Thursday (February 1), with the coffin leaving his home at Freshfields at 10:30am.

The cortège will proceed down the B3153 Langport Road, along Behind Berry and into the Market Square (also known as the Buttercross) where it will pause before a private funeral service is held.

A public memorial service at Edgar Hall from 2pm, which will be live-streamed via the Somerton Town Council website for those unable to attend in person.

Those wishing to attend this memorial services should "dress bright and colourful to reflect Dean's outstanding personality".

Books of condolence will be available to sign at Edgar Hall and St. Michael & All Angels Church in Somerton, the latter of which will be moved to Edgar Hall on Wednesday (January 31) ahead of the memorial service.