THE HEARTBROKEN widow of one of Pendle’s most popular mayors paid tribute to the former leader describing him as a ‘lovely little fellow'.

Jack Evans, 84, died after suffering a stroke although he had fought against illness for the last few years.

The former dignitary, of Byron Road, Colne, was mayor between 1986 and 1987 and also served as a Boulsworth ward councillor from 1975 to 1988.

He was involved in local government for most of his life and had previously served on the old Colne Borough Council from 1968.

Mr Evans, who was born in Brierfield, attended Walter Street School and acquired his first job at Helm’s Mill in the town.

His wife Mary, said she met him when she was still a school girl. She added: “I was at a skating rink and he asked me if I wanted to skate.

"When the music stopped I told him not to leave me because I couldn’t skate and he just said not to worry because I’d learn by the time we’d gone around - that was Jack.

“ I didn’t see him for a while after that. He was a lovely little fellow.”

Mr Evans reached the rank of Sergeant while serving with the Chindits in India and Burma in the Second World War.

On his return he worked in the grocery trade and became secretary of the local branch of the USDAW trade union.

However, he joined the Tories after becoming disillusioned with the cause and remained with them until his retirement.

Mr Evans was the Conservative Group leader on Pendle Council and also represented the local authority on several other bodies.

He worked for Burnley hardware firm George Wilkinson and Sons and his commitment as sales director brought an end to his time on the council in 1988.

Mrs Evans said her husband was a ‘keen football fan’ and followed Burnley FC religiously.

She added: “He would have loved the cup run they’re on at the moment and would’ve definitely bought his ticket.”

Mr Evans died on Saturday November 29. His funeral will take place at Skipton Crematorium at 11.40am on Wednesday, following a service at Sacred Heart RC Church, Colne, at 10.30am.