Tributes have been paid to Hyndburn councillor Edward Blake who died earlier this month after just six months in the job.

The Baxenden Labour representative, known as Eddie, was elected in May's local polls and died suddenly on November 6.

The 77-year-old retired teacher's funeral will be held at 11am on Thursday, November 21, at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Clayton-le-Moors.

He leaves a brother, Bill.

Close friend and Hyndburn Council's culture, heritage and arts boss Cllr Kimberley Whitehead said: “The sudden passing of my ward Councillor Edward Blake (Eddie) has come as a deep shock to us all and to the Baxenden community.

"Ed was a quiet, reserved man, yet his dedication to his role was undeniable.

"He took great pride in representing Baxenden, always attentive to the needs of the residents and committed to improving the lives of those around him.

Edward Blake loved his community of BaxendenEdward Blake loved his community of Baxenden

"His calm demeanour and thoughtful approach earned him the respect of colleagues and residents.

"I will miss Ed as I’m sure many who knew him will.

"As a Labour group, we will ensure his legacy will live on in the community he cared for so deeply, and his absence will be felt by many.

"My thoughts are with his friends, colleagues and family."

A tribute on Hyndburn Labour's Facebook page said: "It is with great sadness to notify the community of the passing of Cllr Edward Blake, known to many as Eddie.

"It has come as a deep shock to us all and to the Baxenden community.

"Ed was a retired teacher and had lived in Baxenden for 36 years.

"He was a quiet, reserved man, yet his dedication to his role was undeniable.

"He took great pride in representing Baxenden when he became a councillor in May, the first Labour councillor to do so in decades, always attentive to the needs of the residents and committed to improving the lives of those around him.

"His calm demeanour and thoughtful approach earned him the respect of colleagues and the community.

"We will miss Ed as we are sure many who knew him will.

"We will ensure his legacy will live on in the community he cared for so deeply, and his absence will be felt by many not forgetting to mention the cats he looked after around his allotment."

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Munsif Dad said: "Ed was a gentleman."

A by-election for Mr Blake's seat at Hyndburn Council will be held in due course.