The town’s MPs have said they will always remember Rex’s boundless enthusiasm.

South Swindon MP, Robert Buckland, said: “I have got so many memories of Rex. One of his favourite words was magical. He could describe things as magical and that is what I remember him as, a magical man.

“He raised so much money for charity during his mayoral year. I kept meeting him and Sandra at many events. It is that year that I remember him very fondly for.

“I remember his enthusiasm and exuberance. I remember one event we went to together with Dorcan Performing Arts Group at Dorcan Academy.

“At the end he was speaking to the young people with enthusiasm, dancing around and really getting into the spirit of the event. He was a magical man and he is going to be missed by so many of us. My thoughts are with Sandra and the family.”

North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, said: “It is exceptionally sad news about Rex. As a mayor, his cheeky charm brought colour, fun and record money for his chosen charities.

“As a councillor he was tireless in making a difference to his local community. Rex made such a positive difference.

And councillors across the town have paid tribute to Rex's tireless work in the community.

Fellow Haydon Wick councillor and leader of Swindon Council, David Renard, said: “I will miss him on a personal level as well as as a ward councillor and fellow councillor. He was always such fun to be with. You couldn’t help but enjoy his company.

“He was committed to his work on the council and getting things done. He was able to engage with everybody that he met. He did so much for the borough and he will be sadly missed.”

Rod Bluh, who was council leader when Rex was mayor, said: “He was an absolutely great guy. His mayoral year was the most memorable in my time as leader. He was always great fun and he was full of enthusiasm. He did a tremendous job with fundraising that year, far beyond anyone else. He was absolutely committed to Swindon and Swindon is poorer for losing him.”

Claire Ellis (Con, Haydon Wick) said: “Rex to us was more than just a fellow ward councillor and mayor, he was our friend, our crusader and above all he was Haydon Wick.

“Regardless of who you are or what your views, Rex would always give you his time and he would fight for your cause every step of the way for you. There will be many saddened people today, not just in Haydon Wick but throughout the town and beyond.

“Personally, and from one giggler to another, I will miss his smile, his jokes and our mischievous tête-à-tête’s from the back of the room and the fact that we never got round to doing a calendar of Rex for the residents of our care homes within Haydon Wick. But frivolity aside, our hearts go out to Sandra and his family, a more devoted wife I have never seen.”

Swindon Labour Group Leader, Jim Grant, said: “Rex was a real character in the council, always making people laugh and smile. He was also Haydon Wick through and through and passionately fought on issues in Haydon Wick and Greenmeadow that he thought would improve the local area.

“He was also a great representative for Swindon as mayor and raised lots of money for local charities.

“On behalf of the Swindon Labour Group, I would like to express our condolences to Rex’s wife, family and friends.”

“His cheeky charm was definitely his trademark. He was greatly loved.”