THE Union flag was today flying at half mast over Padiham Town Hall in memory of town councillor Mohammad Ramzan who died at the weekend in Pakistan.

A well-known community and political figure, Coun Ramzan died of a heart attack on Saturday after going abroad to look after his ill father.

Coun Ramzan, of Victoria Road, Padiham, had been involved in politics for more than 30 years and was Labour's first Asian candidate in the Reedley ward in 1971. When Brierfield Town Council came into force in 1991 he was elected as a councillor before going on to be Brierfield's Mayor.

He lived in Guildford Street, Brierfield, in the house where his son now lives, before moving to Padiham.

Mr Ramzan, who was married to Moor Begum and had four children, was a popular character in Padiham where he opened Ramzan Food Supplies, Victoria Road, more than ten years ago.

Last year he was elected as a town councillor for four years and had been a keen sportsman despite having a pacemaker for 22 years.

Coun Mohammad Hanif, Mr Ramzan's cousin and Brierfield Mayor last year, today paid tribute to him.

He said: "He was hard working and very popular in various communities. In the last two days we have had 4,000 to 5,000 people coming to one of the family homes to pay their condolences.

"He was a true Muslim and wanted the community to work together as one. Every year on Christmas Day he used to dress up in a Father Christmas suit and knock on doors to give out sweets. His motto, which was on his shop, was 'Don't Worry Be Happy'."

Elizabeth Bolton, Padiham town clerk, said: "He was honest and well respected. I'm sure the people of Padiham will be quite devastated. He will be sadly missed."

Leader of Pendle Council, Coun Azhar Ali, said: "I've known him since I was a child and he was a close family member. He worked since he came to England in the late '60s and he wanted to make sure the areas he lived in had someone to speak for them. It's a tragic loss and I know he had lots of friends across East Lancashire and beyond who'll miss him.

"He was one of the people who got me involved in the community and politics. He was a role model. I'll miss him tremendously."

Mayor of Padiham, Coun Granville Lord, said: "It's very sad. My thoughts are with his family and we intend to have a minute's silence at the next council meeting."

Padiham councillor Chris Smith said: "He was active in all debates. One of the most important things for him was to do more for the young people and we'd like to continue with that intention."