A former Hyndburn councillor and well-known amateur photographer has died after a battle with brain cancer.

Basil Whitham, 78, of Edgar Street, Huncoat, served Hyndburn Council as a Labour councillor in the Central Ward from 1976 to 1985.

And in 2005, the council recognised his services by making him an honorary alderman of the borough.

After taking early retirement in 1985, from his job as a boiler operator, Mr Whitham devoted himself to many activities, including the Manchester-Chemnitz society, which promotes friendship and understanding between people in the North West and Chemnitz in Germany.

In his spare time, he enjoyed photography, winning several awards during his time with the Accrington Camera Club. His work has been displayed in the Haworth Art Gallery.

Ian Kitchin from the club called Basil an interesting competitor'. He said: "He always produced some interesting pieces which made people talk.

"One photo, which he took at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, showed an open flame attached to a wall, appearing as if it was above a bandsman's hat. He called it hey mate, your hats on fire'. That just summed him up to a tee."

Another of his photographs featured a picture of Osama bin Laden alongside a garden gnome. Mr Kitchen: "This was Basil all over. When we showed it to the group, it made everyone laugh.That was the sort of humour which endeared him to everyone."

Basil's son, Neville Whitham, 51, described him as a man of the people. He said: "He always did things for everyone else, and when people met him, they always left with a smile on their face.

"He could make a joke out of any situation."

Basil's other passion was world travel. In his retirement, he travelled all over Europe, focusing particularly on Eastern Europe, where he spent a lot of time in Albania and Russia.

"He liked to go to untreadable places", Neville said.

He is survived by two sons, Neville and Derek, 54, and his widow, May, 76.

His funeral is due to take place at St James' Church, Accrington, at midday on Friday, prior to burial at Clayton-le-Moors cemetery.