The Paola Local Council has paid tribute to former vice mayor Joseph Zahra who passed away on Tuesday evening due to COVID-related complications.

Mr Zahra served with the council between 2001 and 2004.

“The mayor, vice mayor, councillors, executive secretary and all staff at the Paola Local Council send their condolences to the family of Mr Joseph Zahra who left us last night,” the council wrote on its Facebook page on Wednesday morning.

The General Workers Union, which Mr Zahra formed part of under the Pensioners Section, also mourned his loss and expressed solidarity with his family.