It is with great sadness that I write about the untimely death of Mohammed Ramzan who died recently, at the age of 47 whilst in Pakistan.

Mr Ramzan was an active member of the community who worked tirelessly to benefit others not only where he lived in Pendle but also around the country.

Mr Ramzan came to Britain as a teenager over thirty years ago. He became Labour's first Asian candidate in the Reedley ward in 1971 and went on to become Mayor of Brierfield in 1997.

His countless deeds in helping anyone in need and being at the forefront in local decisions were carried out not because he wanted any recognition but because he felt it was right thing to do.

At times he was the only person in our community who could understand certain issues.

He was never one to shy away from changing the way we as a community were perceived in Britain. Through his work he was also a major figure in building relations with the host community and it is because of people like Mr Ramzan that we were able to move forward with confidence.

No task was too big or too small for him and he would tackle them all with the same conviction. With a joke and a smile he was able to defuse many a tense situation and his presense in any room was unmistakable.

Whilst being much younger than many of his contemporaries he was the first to be able to create a link within our community between the younger generation and the old. I feel one of his greatest qualities was that he had an acute understanding of our cultural and religious obligations as well as the changing aspirations of youth. This at a time when the make-up of our community was changing fast.

By fulfilling this role he was respected by both young and old who could relate to his willingness to understand and come up with an ammicable solution.

He was always true to his word and a wonderful role model for us all.

We will all miss him and our condolences go out to all members of his family.

He is survived by his wife, three sons and one daughter.

Shuiab Khan

Editor