Tributes have been paid to 'Mr Portland' Les Ames who has died at the age of 100.

The veteran councillor and proud islander passed away peacefully at home on Monday, his family said. He had been ill for some time and had recently come out of hospital.

Mr Ames, a former town, borough and county councillor who was mayor of the borough twice and island mayor three times, devoted more than 40 years to local politics – serving his community, campaigning on issues and championing many causes.

Never one to be drawn into party politics, he always stood as an Independent member, and for many years sat in 'splendid isolation' in the council chamber, separate from political groups.

He was made an MBE in 2006 and an Honorary Freeman of Portland in 2014.

Originally from Croydon where he met his wife Jean – his 'rock' whom he was married to for 75 years – Mr Ames came to Portland in the early 1950s.

He had served with the RAF and his service included being in India in 1946/7 at the time of partition.

Mr Ames worked for the Admiralty when he came to Portland but his real passion became for local politics, and he was instrumental in bringing about many changes in the area.

His daughter Jo Gomm said her father had a 'huge social conscience' serving as governor of local schools and acting as a proud ambassador for the island. On one occasion he visited quarries in Italy on a fact-finding mission to see if he could pick up any useful information that could be shared with the stone companies back home.

He was mayor when the frigate HMS Portland was commissioned and got to know the crew through his visits on board.

Mr Ames was a keen sportsman in his youth, including being an accomplished cyclist, and enjoyed playing the harmonica.

Among the causes he supported was the boy's boxing club on Portland.

Mrs Gomm said he couldn't have done what he did without the support of wife Jean.

She added: "He was strong-minded, and could be quite stubborn at times.

"He was a gentleman – and he loved his community. He was passionate about local people and local issues."

Mr Ames celebrated his 100th birthday in August this year. He is survived by his wife Jean. He also leaves two daughters – Deirdre Taylor and Jo Gomm – four grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

Funeral details have yet to be announced.