THE family of Leslie Ranson - a solicitor in East Lancashire for 60 years - have been paying their tributes after he died aged 92.

Mr Ranson, whose funeral is being held today, became the youngest ever elected Accrington councillor of the time in 1936 and the youngest ever Accrington mayor of his generation in 1946. He died on Tuesday at Manor House, Chatburn.

Mr Ranson started his career in law at family firm Sprake and Ranson in 1934, aged 22.

He also served as a Justice of the Peace on the Accrington Bench between 1951 and 1963, was president of Blackburn Law Society in 1959 and also registrar of Blackburn Diocese between 1954 and 1990.

Mr Ranson was a father of three, grandfather of five and great-grandfather to nine children.

A keen fell-walker, Mr Ranson was also a interested in classical music and playing the flute, and spoke fluent French, German and Italian.

A lifelong member of the Church of England, he worshipped at Christ Church Accrington until 1960 and then at Blackburn Cathedral after moving to the town from his Accrington roots.

His son Michael Ranson, said: "He was a lawyer of the old school, whose integrity and knowledge of the law was matched only by his unfailing courtesy to both clients and professional colleagues."

His funeral is being held at Blackburn Cathedral at 1.45pm today.