The death has been reported today of former Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy.

Charles was a friend of York and played a key role in the 2003 Local Council elections. He visited in April of that year and spoke of his affection for the City.

He helped to launch the LibDem manifesto for, what turned out to be, the best ever performance by the party in a Council election poll in the City.

One of the policies included in the manifesto, which featured in the local media on 3rd April which endures to this day, is discounted parking charges for low emission small cars.

Charles Kennedy was an approachable, able and down to earth politician. He will be missed.

RIP