THE funeral of one of South Ribble's longest serving councillors, Neva Orrell, will take place on Friday, February 6.

As a mark of respect, the funeral cortege will pass the Civic Centre in Leyland before a service at 10.15am at the Methodist Church, Turpin Green, in the town, and cremation in Pleasington, near Blackburn.

Councillor Orrell, 88, of Turpin Green Lane, was a widow and leaves two children and five grandchildren.

She served as a councillor for 44 years and was Liberal Democrat representative for Leyland's St Ambrose ward until her death on January 28, just hours after attending a planning meeting

She had also served as a Lancashire county councillor and was chairman of the authority from 1987-88.

About 20 years ago she was awarded the MBE and in 1994 was made an Honorary Freeman of South Ribble for outstanding service to the community.

She was formerly a governor at Balshaws High School and Woodlea CP School, both Leyland, and was a member of many local organisations.

Councillor David Howarth, the authority's Liberal Democrat leader, said: "Neva was an incredible character whose tenacity was matched by a calm analytical approach and I immensely valued her help and advice. Neva worked tirelessly for the residents she represented and was selfless in everything she did."

Councillor David Watts, Labour representative for Bamber Bridge East, who had taken Coun Orrell home on the night of her death, said: "Neva played a big part in Leyland. She was the most wonderful woman I had ever met."

Councillor Mark Alcock, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "Anyone who has met Neva will tell you she was an amazing lady and I feel privileged to have known her."