News Beat
Tributes paid to former Redcar and Cleveland mayor Briggs
Brian Briggs, who served as Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland for the 2009/2010 term and represented Skelton as a councillor from 2003 to 2015, died at the age of 86.
He was known for his long-standing service to the community.
Leading the tributes, sitting Mayor Ian Hart said: “This is very sad news.
“I’m sure I speak on behalf of everybody at the council and far beyond when I pass on condolences to Brian’s family and friends.
“He was a man who loved and served his community with commitment and dignity and who was clearly held in high regard by all who knew him.”
Mr Briggs was also a parish councillor for Skelton and Brotton for 20 years and chaired the Cleveland Fire Authority during his time in public service.
With his wife Margaret, he was well known in the community for running the Duke of William Inn in Skelton between 1986 and 2000.
A father-of-three, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Mr Briggs was fondly remembered for his annual role as Father Christmas, appearing at around 30 venues each year for more than two decades.
His son, Peter Briggs, said: “My father was a lovely man and will be missed by so many people.
“It’s been heartwarming to see hundreds of messages online.
“He was known by many, many people and was absolutely committed to his community.
“But his family came first.
“He loved his role as Father Christmas and looked the part and was sad when his health no longer allowed him to take on the role.
“He enjoyed being a councillor – he just really loved working for people.
“On behalf of the family, I’d like to thank the nurses and staff at Yew Tree Care Centre in Redcar who looked after dad in his final days after looking after our mother in 2023 too.”
Originally from South Terrace in South Bank, Mr Briggs was married to Margaret for 63 years until her death in 2023.
The family moved to Skelton in the early 1970s and became well known in the area, particularly through their involvement with Skelton Castle Cricket Club.
Mr Briggs worked as a bricklayer with Charles Amer’s construction company and later at British Steel, where he lined coke ovens from the 1960s to the 1980s before becoming a publican.
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Leader Alec Brown also paid tribute to Mr Briggs.
Mr Brown said: “My heart goes to out Brian’s family and all those who knew him.
“Brian was a dedicated councillor and servant of his community.
“He threw himself into the role of Mayor as he did with so many things in life.
“He will be sorely missed.”
During his mayoral year, Mr Briggs raised more than £10,000 for Zoe’s Place and the Great North Air Ambulance.
His funeral will take place at Skelton All Saints Church on Friday, January 16, at 1.30pm.
The family has welcomed donations in his memory to either MacMillan Nurses or the animal charity Maxi’s Mates via the funeral-notices.co.uk website, where tributes can also be left.
Mr Briggs’ legacy of service and generosity will be remembered by all those who knew him and benefited from his dedication to the community.
