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Tributes have been paid to former Plaid Cymru councillor Dennis Bolter, who has died aged 76.

Cllr Bolter, who represented the Hengoed ward, was first elected in 1995 by a margin of 14 votes. He went on to be re-elected each term until he retired in 2017.

He also served on Gelligaer Community Council.

A former bus driver, Cllr Bolter was at one point the vice chair of the council’s technical scrutiny committee, which scrutinised the council’s policies on roads, among other things.

The Hengoed and Cefn Hengoed Plaid Cymru branch posted a statement on Facebook on Sunday, November 8, which read: “It is with great sadness our friend and former councillor colleague Dennis Bolter passed away this morning.

“He was witty and direct and tried to help his community as best as he could.

“Dennis you will be sorely missed by all that knew you. Our condolences go out to your family and especially to your lovely wife Beryl. Rest in Peace my lovely.”

Cllr Judith Pritchard, who represented Hengoed alongside Cllr Bolter, described him as a “very funny man with a dry sense of humour”.

Cllr Pritchard said: “He was always very helpful. When we went around canvassing, people knew him.

“He was very integrated into the community and I was very lucky to have him as a running mate.

“He left a legacy behind him. When you drive around, you can see things that were Dennis’ vision for the ward.”

Current Hengoed ward councillor Teresa Parry said: “This was very sad news, my sincerest condolences to Beryl and his lovely family.

“Dennis had been a conscientious local councillor and my colleague on Gelligaer Community Council for more than ten years. I will always remember with affection how he made us all laugh. RIP Dennis.”

Hengoed councillor Donna Cushing said: “Dennis was a larger than life individual, who worked on the buses for many years and would often ferry us back and forth to school.  He was straight talking and often had us laughing at some of his comments he made in meetings. I am sure in another life he could have been a comedian.

“He truly loved his family and was a caring and loving husband and a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather.

“He is a big loss to the community and to his colleagues.  I will always be grateful for his mentorship during my period as a community councillor and later as a county councillor.”

Cllr Colin Mann, leader of the Plaid Cymru group, said: “I was very sad to hear of Dennis’ passing. He was a very highly respected councillor and colleague who served his community very well for many, many years. I offer my deepest condolences to Dennis’ family.”

Caerphilly’s Senedd Member, Hefin David, said: “I’ve known Dennis for most of my life, from the time he used to drive the service bus we’d catch to school in Bargoed.

“In later years we served together as members of Gelligaer Community Council and Caerphilly County Borough Council. Much is made of the party divide but Dennis’s politics were all about helping people. On that we found common ground and he became a good friend.

“When I was elected to the Senedd, Dennis was warm in his congratulations and wise in his advice. As with so many who mourn him today, I will greatly miss his presence in our community.”