FAMILY, friends and colleagues of last year's Burnley Mayor Jack Alston, have paid tribute to the "people's councillor" who died yesterday, aged 69.

The popular and well-known former magistrate died after suffering a heart attack earlier in the week.

Earlier this year he was rushed to Burnley General Hospital complaining of breathing problems, though he refused to let ill health stop him attending events.

Today Jack's daughter-in-law Anne Munro paid a glowing tribute to her father-in-law, as the flag at Burnley Town Hall flew at half mast.

She said: "Jack always served with genuine feeling and loyalty and he was completely devoted to the town of Burnley and to his country.

"Even when he was ill he was determined to attend events like Remembrance Day services in respect of those who died for their country, and he was planning to go again this year.

"He never let physical disabilities get him down or stop him doing anything. He was a devoted husband and family man and was always kind, considerate and generous.

"He was very fair-minded and one of his proudest achievements was when he became mayor. We have had so many calls from people saying how saddened they have been by his death."

Jack's wife Mary added: "Jack was absolutely devoted to me and we loved each other very much. I will miss him very much."

Burnley's current Mayor, Coun Gordon Birtwistle, said: "I had known Jack Alston for about 20 years since we first joined the council together.

"I always found him to be an absolute gentleman who was always very pleasant and affable. He was not a political councillor but a peoples' councillor who cared about the issues that affected people in the town.

"If there was one type of person you could choose to be a councillor it would be Jack. His death is a sad loss."

Rafique Malik, himself a former mayor, and Jack's deputy, added: "Jack was a man of impeccable integrity and honesty. He was very fair-minded and always looked at the issues on their merits.

"He was a people's councillor who truly believed in humanity and mankind. Nothing would deter him from standing up for what he believed in. Burnley will be a sadder place without him."

Jack Alston used to work at Mullards in Burnley during the 1970s where he trained Rafique Malik, who later became his deputy.

The Lowerhouse councillor for the past 18 years used to work on the railways before and after completing his National Service with the Royal Air Force. He was a magistrate in Burnley for a number of years.

After spending most of his life in Burnley he moved to a new home at Great Stone Edge, Blacko, with Mary, his second wife.

The home is shared with Mary's daughter Anne, her husband, Graham and children, Stephen, 21, and Georgina, 17.

Mary acted as his Mayoress during his term of office and together they raised money for several good causes, including the Pendleside Hospice.

A funeral service will be held at 1.30pm next Thursday at Burnley Crematorium.