Aston Science Park has paid tribute to one of its most formidable characters, retiring chairman, Hon Alderman Albert Jackson.

A former Lord Mayor and Labour councillor, he took the post in 1984. Since then the Park has developed from one business incubator to a thriving 22 acre site housing over 100 companies.

At a special luncheon at Birmingham Botanical Gardens the guests included Sir Frederick Crawford, a founder director of Aston Science Park; Sir Albert Bore, Labour leader and a director for more than 20 years; Hon. Alderman Clive Wilkinson, the Park's first chairman and the current chairman Councillor Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council, all of whom commented on the retiring chairman's significant contribution to developments in Birmingham and his dedication to the Science Park.

Aston Science Park chief executive Dr Derek Harris, said: "During the 20 years that Albert was chairman, he has steered the Science Park through many phases of its development - some hard times and thankfully some good. A remarkable chapter in Aston's history of which he should be rightly proud."