Tributes have poured in to Labour peer, Lord Ashley of Stoke, who died at the weekend aged 89 from pneumonia.

Lord Ashley, known as Jack Ashley, lived in Epsom for a number of years and was President of Friends of Epsom Hospital.

As member for Stoke-on-Trent South he was the country’s first deaf MP and was famous for campaigning for disability rights.

Chris Grayling MP paid tribute to his work and said: "Jack Ashley and I may have come from different sides of the political fence, but he was a great man, a tireless campaigner and a real help to me locally in fighting for the future of Epsom Hospital.

"I will miss his kindness and good humour."

Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Councillor Sheila Carlson, spoke of Lord Ashley’s dedication and talent when the council met on Tuesday.

She said: "He was one of a handful of MPs who received cross-party respect and when he spoke everyone listened. We all owe a great debt of gratitude to Jack Ashley."

Epsom and Ewell Councillor Jean Smith also paid her respects.

"I would like to pay tribute to the memory of Jack Ashley, a charming man dedicated to helping the disadvantaged members of our society," she said.

"It was a privilege to have known him."