Further tributes have been paid to one of Ipswich's best-known public figures after his death, aged 90. 

Albert Grant, part of the Windrush generation, first came to Ipswich from Barbados with his wife in 1955 as a 21-year-old. 

He was first elected as Ipswich borough councillor for the Whitehouse ward in the mid-1980s and represented the area for a total of 26 years, retiring from the council in 2016.

Mr Grant made history when he became the town's first black mayor in 1995. 

He was one of the founders of the Ipswich Caribbean Association and the Ipswich and Suffolk West Indian Association, as well as a founder and later trustee of the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality.

He was recognised for his work in the community in 2000 when he was awarded an OBE for services to the Ipswich community. 

Mr Grant also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Suffolk in October 2021.

The former Ipswich mayor has diedThe former Ipswich mayor has died (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

Current mayor, Elango Elavalakan, paid tribute to Mr Grant and remembered him for his "unswerving dedication to tackling racism and deep commitment to equality and justice".

He added: "It is with great sadness that we learn of the loss of Albert Grant. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this time.

"Albert served the people of Ipswich for more than a quarter of a century as an Ipswich borough councillor and carried out terms as mayor and deputy mayor.

“He made important and inspiring contributions to the lives of the people of Ipswich – not just in his roles as mayor and councillor but also through his decades of involvement in many other local causes and organisations.

"He is remembered for his unswerving dedication to tackling racism and deep commitment to equality and justice.

“As we mourn his loss, we also recognise his remarkable service and achievements along with the profound impact he made on all who had the privilege of knowing him.”