BURNHAM-on-Sea RNLI has paid tribute to former Burnham and Highbridge mayor and former lifeboat operations manager Martin Cox who has died.

Martin Cox, 72, passed away peacefully at Weston Hospice on Saturday (July 27) with his wife Arlene and relatives at his side after a long battle with poor health.

Martin served as a town councillor for eight years and was mayor of Burnham and Highbridge in 2013 and 2014.

He was well known in Burnham-on-Sea and was a longstanding supporter of BARB Search and Rescue and Burnham RNLI.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to former Burnham and Highbridge Mayor Martin Cox who has died

Burnham RNLI paid tribute to Martin and said he was 'instrumental' in bringing the RNLI back to the town.

A spokesperson for the RNLI, said: "On Sunday (July 28) we were informed of the sad news that our former lifeboat operations manager and on-going supporter of the station Martin Cox had passed away.

"Martin was instrumental in successfully bringing the RNLI back to Burnham-on-Sea and served as our initial operations manager from July 2003 to December 2007 at which point he handed over the reins.

"Martin continued to stay close friends with a number of the crew and management team at the station and remained in close contact with the current operations manager to see how things were going.

"Martin will remain in our thoughts for many years to come and our deepest condolences and sympathy go to his family from all at Burnham Lifeboat Station."