From 1989 to 2009, Bill Purdue represented the South Tynedale ward on Northumberland County Council. The affable man was a familiar face at parish council meetings in the area, and also at the council’s headquarters in Morpeth, where he chaired committees and championed local causes. But away from council matters, Bill was a distinguished professor, historian and author, who penned no fewer than 16 books. Now tributes are being paid to the Allendale man, who has died aged 79. Coun. Colin Horncastle, who succeeded Bill as councillor for South Tynedale said: “As a man, he was a lovely, friendly person, who gave me a lot of support and advice in my early days as a councillor.