War veteran and Haringey councillor Fred Knight has died aged 88.

The Seven Sisters ward councillor who had dedicated most of his life to serving his country and community passed away on Sunday after a short illness.

Mr Knight served in the Royal Armoured Regiment, and was part of the invasion force that landed in Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and had enjoyed a distinguished wartime career.

At council meetings, he could be seen wearing a jacket proudly displaying his war medals.

Council leader George Meehan today paid tribute to Mr Knight: "Fred was first elected to represent his local area on Tottenham Council in the early 1960s, before the creation of Haringey. When I joined the council in 1971, Fred has been a steady, hardworking and sensible presence in the Labour Group for coming up to four decades.

"He will be very sorely missed."

Fellow ward councillor Clare Kober added: "Fred was known and respected by so many people in Tottenham. His devotion to the local community and the Labour Party was astonishing and deeply humbling. Fred really gave his life to the Seven Sisters area."

After serving in the war Mr Knight worked as a printer in Fleet Street — one of the last generation of printworkers to spend their whole career with traditional "hotmetal" printing presses rather than new digital ones.

Mr Knight, who had been a keen athlete, served as Haringey mayor three times, in 1974/75, 1989/90 and 1991/92. He was made a Freeman of the City in 1990 in recognition of his services to sports and leisure.

A sports ground in Willoughby Lane, Tottenham, is named in his honour.