A former Blackburn with Darwen councillor and a beloved figure in the local political scene has died at the age of 93.

Len Proos was a stalwart representative of Blackburn Labour. He served as a former senior councillor and Lancashire County Council councillor, living in the Roe Lee area for many years.

He gained the role of deputy leader of LCC under Louise Ellman from 1981 to 1997, where he played an instrumental part in shaping the local political landscape.

For decades, Len worked as a community relations officer, continuing to advocate for the concerns and needs of the residents he served.

Len's journey of service began with his education at St Mary's College and a two-year run in the Royal Air Force. As a member of the Amalgamated Engineering Union for many years, he was a committed advocate for workers' rights and well-being.

He lived in Clinton Street for 12 years before moving to Whalley New Road in 1963.

In 1966, Len stood for the Trinity Ward by-election and firmly believed that “people and their problems mattered”, a principle that guided his actions in his role as a public servant.

Behind his well-respected career, Len was a father to four daughters and husband, celebrating a remarkable 72-year marriage with his wife Iris Proos.

Blackburn MP Kate Hollern said: "I was very sorry to learn of Len’s passing. Although much of Len’s decades of work in the local Labour Party, on Blackburn Council and Lancashire County Council, was before I became council leader Len’s impact as a passionate Labour stalwart was keenly felt. I pass on my condolences to Len’s family."

Damian Talbot, Blackburn Labour Party chair, paid tribute to Len, saying: "Len was a major figure in the Blackburn local political scene for many years, and whilst he left the council some time ago, he was still very well known and much loved by Labour Party members. Len will be sadly missed."