Tributes have been paid to the man described as 'Mr Horsforth', John Brodwell who died last week aged 58.

The West Yorkshire deputy coroner was found in the bathroom of his home by his cleaner last Thursday morning.

Colleagues and friends from numerous organisations have paid tribute to Mr Brodwell who worked as a barrister at the Zenith Chambers in Leeds.

Mr Brodwell was a single man and spent much of his time working on projects that would benefit Horsforth.

He was a member of a number of organisations including Horsforth Town Council, and he was the chairman of the Horsforth Civic Society.

He was trustee of Park Lane College Trust, Bradford City Mission Trust and the Board of Management of Methodist Schools.

He was Chairman of Governors at Horsforth School and Vice-Chairman of Governors at Woodhouse Grove School, Apperley Bridge, where he went to school as a child.

A keen singer, he was also the chairman of the Leeds Philharmonic Society and a member of the Council of Management, Three Choirs Festival, Gloucester.

Leeds City Councillor Chris Townsley (Lib Dem, Horsforth) he knew Mr Brodwell for more than 25 years.

Coun Townsley said: "Those who met John for the first time could be forgiven for mistaking him as a pompous, overbearing, intimidating individual who you would not wish to cross swords with.

"However behind his pin-striped suited faade, John was a very different character.

"If he had not taken the legal route to earn a living he could have been in broadcasting or entertainment. He had a wonderful ear for detail in people's voices and was an excellent mimic.

"I held an awful amount of respect for this man. He will be sadly missed. Horsforth will miss him. I will miss him greatly."

Steve Jex, head teacher at Horsforth School paid a warm tribute.

Mr Brodwell was a governor at the school for three years but was associated with it for more than 30.

Mr Jex said: "He has supported students, staff and parents and has advised and worked closely with me on all matters relating to the school.

"He will be sorely missed and it will be difficult to find somebody who will work as tirelessly as John has on our behalf."

Aireborough and Horsforth MP Paul Truswell said: "He had a very sharp mind, and a quick and mischievous wit, which he combined with a commanding presence that may have given the impression of pomposity.

"But he was actually a man of enormous charm, who probably enjoyed cultivating a slightly eccentric image, and who was always ready to laugh at himself.

"Above all, he was 'Mr Horsforth' through and through, and unstintingly dedicated his enormous talents to the welfare of its citizens."

Horsforth Conservative Party Leader Neil Hunt said on behalf of the group: "The aspect of John which shone above all else was his total commitment and dedication to Horsforth. Larger than life, he appeared at every civic function wearing the chains of office with such apparent pride, not in his position, but in what it meant to his town.

"Horsforth has lost its most prominent ally and as such, he will be sorely missed."

Mick Leabetter, senior coroner's officer in Leeds said: "We were all shocked when we heard about Mr Brodwell, it has had a real impact on everyone. He had a wonderful humour and he came across as very judicial when he needed to be."