COLLEAGUES of former Pendle Conservative leader Roy Clarkson today paid tribute to him following his death on Sunday.

Mr Clarkson retired as councillor for Reedley ward at the local elections in May this year to spend more time with his family after being diagnosed with cancer.

His funeral, which will be attended by close friends and colleagues, takes place tomorrowis on Thursday in Brierfield.

Stephen Barnes, Pendle Council's chief executive, said: "We are deeply saddened by Roy's death. He was such a likeable character particularly among fellow councillors and staff. He became a councillor to try to do his bit for the community and he always carried out his duties with this in mind.

"The council was able to place on record its appreciation for Roy's hard work over so many years by conferring the Freedom of the Borough to him earlier this year. I have no doubt that many people connected with Pendle Council will want to attend his funeral to pay their respects. Our thoughts are with his family at this time."

Mr Clarkson was first elected to Pendle Borough Council in May 1976 representing Reedley ward, where he remained throughout his role as a councillor.

He campaigned hard on many issues over the years, particularly for improvements to Brierfield town centre and also played a major role in fostering the excellent industrial relations which exist within the council

In 1993, he was elected Mayor of the borough and was leader of the Conservative group on Pendle Council until this year's elections, when he retired.

To recognise his commitment and dedication to the council, he was presented with the Freedom of the Borough by the Mayor, Coun Colin Waite, in March this year.

Coun Waite today said: "He may have been in a different political party but knowing and working with Roy over many years I can say he was a true gentleman.

"If things were getting a bit heated in the council chamber he would always come up with some comment to diffuse the situation and the whole borough will sadly miss him."

The Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Pauline McCormick, was a close friend of Mr Clarkson as a fellow Conservative councillor in Reedley.

She said: "He was a wonderful man. I feel I have lost a wonderful friend and colleague and he will be sadly missed."