Bert Turner tributes: Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson hails the life of the 'political force' of Bilston

The councillor, who had served Bilston East since 1990, died on Tuesday after being ill for several months.

His brother was the late Dennis Turner, former MP for Wolverhampton South East and later Lord Bilston, who died in February last year.

West Bromwich East MP Mr Watson, on behalf of the Labour party, said: "The sad news of the death of Bert Turner will bring a sense of great loss to Bilston, Wolverhampton and the whole of the Black Country.

"And he will be sorely missed in the Labour movement too.

"Bert was a champion for Bilston and the community over many years.

"He was a political force who could not be ignored.

"Bert– along with his late brother Dennis - was driven by a passion to get things done for the whole of Bilston and Wolverhampton.

"On behalf of Bert's many friends in the Labour Party we send our condolences to his family at this very sad time."

Councillor Turner was chairman of governors at Wilkinson Primary School in Walter Road, Bradley, for 43 years.

His daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren all attended the school.

And when its former building was destroyed in an arson attack in 2010, Councillor Turner played a vital role in getting temporary classrooms arranged for the children, working relentlessly to secure the funding for its replacement.

Headteacher Christina Gibbon said: "Bert will continue to live in the fabric of Wilkinson Primary. A true gentleman, who will never be replaced in our hearts."

In his year as mayor, 2011-12, Councillor Turner raised more than £55,000 for charity and also visited shopkeepers whose businesses had been hit by looting in the August riots. He also played a key role in trying to keep Bilston united under one parliamentary constituency, amid plans to divide it between several MPs. And he got to open the new Bert Williams Leisure Centre in Bilston, named after the legendary Wolves goalkeeper. Wolverhampton council has opened a book of condolence there.

Steve Simkins, chairman of the Wolverhampton South East Constituency Labour Party and a fellow Bilston councillor, said: "Bert was Bilston and Bradley through and through.

"He was a huge part of this community. It feels as though we've all lost a father figure. That's certainly how I saw him.

"Between them Bert and Dennis were a great team. After Dennis went on to represent his home town in Parliament, Bert went on to be the city's representative as mayor."

Great-grandfather Councillor Turner, who was in his late 70s, and his brother were instrumental in the long fight to try to save Bilston Steelworks in the 1970s.

On the Facebook group In The Shadow of Elisabeth, named after a furnace at the steelworks, a tribute piece reads: "Bert fought tirelessly in defence of his beloved Steelworks alongside hundreds of steelworkers at Bilston, including his brother Dennis.

A reminiscence session for the steelworks and Councillor Turner is taking place at 1pm on Saturday at the Springvale Social Club, Millfields Road.

Ian Reilly, regional director of West Midlands Labour Party said: "Bert inspired ordinary people to work together to save their community; just like in the days when he stood up for Bilston steelworks.

"He will be sadly missed by all levels of the Labour Party and by many people beyond that."

And Pat McFadden, who succeeded Dennis Turner as MP for Wolverhampton South East, said: "Bert devoted his whole life to serving the people of Bradley and Bilston, whether it was in the fight to save the steelworks or in his many years as a local councillor. he was a Labour man to the core and fought hard for his people and his area, which he always called God's country. He had very good political judgment and I valued his support and wise advice greatly over the years. He will be hugely missed by the local community. "

Part of Bilston Football Club's ground is named after the Turner brothers Dennis and Bert Turner.

The new covered area for disabled supporters is called Turners' End and has space for 30 fans.

Current mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Ian Brookfield, said: "Bert, just like his brother Dennis, was Bilston through and through and I doubt we will ever see their like again.

"Their friendship, compassion and commitment to help local people will never be forgotten and the Mayoress and I send our condolences to the family."

Councillor Turner will also be remembered for his passion for education.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, Professor Geoff Layer, said: "Bert was the Mayor of Wolverhampton when I came to the University in 2011. He was very welcoming, understood the role that the university could have in leading economic and social regeneration. He was passionate about the value of education and the way in which raising skill levels would change society for the better. He was a great friend of the university, wonderfully supportive but most of all he cared about people. He will be missed."

Tributes also came from other parts of the Black Country.

Darlaston South councillor Doug James said: "Bilston has lost a steel man and, man of the people.

"Bert Turner was a humble, determined and skilled man who was a highly respected local councillor with the natural gift of making everyone at ease and, welcome.

"I was fortunate to meet Bert Turner several years ago and, shared a pint with him as he provided his excellent advice on campaigning on local issues. He was able to relate his experience to others in straight forward Black Country dialect that told things as they were. I am sure he inspired many people in the Labour Movement in his efforts to defend Bilston Steel and, in his tireless work in his beloved Ward and Town. He was a friend and someone respected by many.

"I record my sincerest condolences to his wife Kath and family."