A TRIBUTE to former councillor and steeplejack Maurice Tate has been paid by Burnley MP Peter Pike -- who has described him as a great fighter for the town.

Mr Tate died at his home in Todmorden Road, Burnley, last Monday. He was 75.

As a steeplejack he changed the skyline of Burnley by knocking down many of the old mill chimneys and old buildings.

As a councillor he was leader of the Conservative group and a member of Burnley Council for 19 years. His wife Enid is also a former Conservative member of the council and former Mayor.

He was a larger than life character and was instantly recognised in his imported Cadillac with the personalised MET registration which he drove around the town.

He worked as a steeplejack all his life after being offered the job when on his way to the Labour Exchange.

Despite seeing one fatal accident and nearly being killed himself when a section of roof fell on him fracturing his skull it was a job he clearly enjoyed.

Labour's Mr Pike said: "Maurice did a great amount of work for Burnley over many years. Whilst a staunch Conservative he could also oppose his own party when he thought they were wrong."

Mr Pike added: "Political differences never stopped him putting cases to me or making points to me when he felt they were in Burnley's or this country's interests.

"His illness over recent years was borne with great courage and his death robs Burnley of a true local political character and great fighter for Burnley. I, and all my family, extend our sincere sympathy to Enid in her sad loss."

The funeral will be at Burnley Crematorium tomorrow at 3.30pm. People can make donations to the Parkinson's Disease Research Fund, care of Greenwood's Funeral Services. Cemetery Lane, Burnley.