Former council leader's private funeral

The funeral of former council leader Bill Thomas will be shrouded in "absolute privacy", it was announced today.

Sylvia Heal MP, speaking on behalf of Mr Thomas's family, said no details whatsoever would be released at his request.

The funeral is believed to be taking place at a mystery location in Wales on Wednesday.

Mrs Heal, who represents Halesowen and Rowley Regis, said: "He wanted only family to attend. There is absolute privacy, no details whatsoever will be released."

The ex-Rowley member, who led the authority for nine years, passed away in hospital in Wales on March 20 following a short illness.

Mr Thomas, formerly of Viking Rise, Rowley Regis, had a history of health problems.

Sandwell Council confirmed today it did not know the details of the funeral. Mr Thomas was a headteacher at Smethwick Hall Boys School before his retirement in 1992.

The 69-year-old was awarded an OBE in 2005 for his work in mental health and the NHS.

The former leader was elected on to the council in 1996 and led from 2001 until his resignation in August last year.

He resigned as leader and councillor for Rowley in October after pleading guilty to theft, having been reimbursed for cheques paid to a close friend.