TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Ribble Valley mayor and headteacher who has died.

John Travis, 79, who lived in Bashall Eaves, served on the council from 1987 until 1999, representing Simonstone ward.

He served as the borough’s 19th mayor from 1992 to 1993.

A father-of-four, stepfather-of-three and grandfather to 13 children was born and brought up in Liverpool and trained as a teacher at Chester College.

His first teaching post was at a school in Kirkby, where he taught English for seven years.

In 1963 he became deputy head of Padiham CE Secondary Modern and moved to Simonstone where he lived until 2000.

Mr Travis became headteacher at Ramsbottom Secondary Modern in 1966.

From 1970 to 1977 he was headteacher at Whitworth School before moving to Upholland Comprehensive for five years and then Fulwood Comprehensive.

He was awarded an MBE in January 2005 in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for his outstanding efforts for people across Lancashire.

His son Will, 44, who lives with his family in New York, said: “He was the perfect role model for his children and grandchildren to follow.

“He was very community minded and was always there to help you if you had a problem. He is a huge loss to the family and we all miss him very much.

“Throughout his whole life and career he just kept on giving to the community and helping young people achieve their goals.”

Ribble Valley Councillor Joyce Holgate said: “When I first came on the council he gave me help and support which was invaluable.

“He was a dedicated councillor and he will be a huge loss to the community. He shall be missed by all who knew him because he was always a very nice person to be around.”

The funeral service will take place today at All Hallows Church, Mitton, at 2pm and donations can be made to the North West Air Ambulance.