FORMER Mayor of Swindon Rex Barnett has passed away.

Rex, who was a councillor in the Haydon Wick ward, was diagnosed with lung cancer at the end of his mayoral year in 2011.

During his time as mayor, Rex raised an impressive £68,000 for charity. His three chosen charities – Prospect Hospice, the Willows Counselling Service and the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement (CALM). A further 11 charities and good causes also benefitted from that bulging pot.

Since news of his death broke last night, tributes have been pouring in for the popular councillor from people all over the town.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said: “I am very sad to hear of the death today of Cllr Rex Barnett. My thoughts are with his beloved wife Sandra and their family. Swindon has lost a great man.”

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said: “Exceptionally sad news about Cllr Rex Barnett, Mr Haydon Wick. As Mayor his cheeky charm brought colour, fun and record money for charity.”

Former council leader Rod Bluh said: “Losing anyone you know is always sad but losing Rex Barnett feels like a bright light has been switched off. He was such fun and so brave.”

Wyvern Theatre director Derek Aldridge said: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Rex Barnett - a true friend to the Wyvern Theatre and to Swindon.”

Rex started his working life with the GWR at the Swindon Works and served a five-year apprenticeship as a gas fitter and plumber.

He was made redundant and became involved in the building of British Home Stores, Debenhams and the Princess Margaret Hospital before moving into engineering sales.

Rex served as a Swindon and Wiltshire councillor in the late 1960s and early 1970s until pressure of work forced him to stand down. He recently became a governor again at Greenmeadow Primary School having been chairman of Haydon Wick and Greenmeadow schools and a governor of Headlands Grammar School.