TRIBUTES have been paid to long-serving Burnley councillor Donald Hall who has died aged 59.

Coun Hall, a former paratrooper and chef who represented the Brunshaw ward in the town for 17 years, died on Saturday after suffering a heart attack.

Leader of the Labour group on Burnley Council Andy Tatchell said: "Donald was a councillor of the highest integrity, hard-working and a really nice man.

"He was greatly respected by all the parties in the council chamber as a man with great energy and dedication.

"He was a shining example and his death is a sad loss."

Burnley MP Kitty Ussher added: "Don was one of the very genuine, hard-working people who put his constituents first and we will miss him terribly.

"Our thoughts go to Margaret and his family at this terrible time."

Conservative leader Peter Doyle said: "I was very disappointed to hear the sad news of Don's death.

"He did a very good job of representing the people in his ward and I'm sure he will be missed."

Coun Hall spent his free time on his allotment at Heasandford and was a member of the town's Irish League Club committee.

He moved to Burnley from his native Scotland after leaving the Army and he spent time working as a chef and four years at manufacturers McBrides.

Coun Hall, who lived in Branch Road, leaves wife of 29 years Margaret and daughter Kimberley.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be made.