TRIBUTES were paid to late council leader Coun George Bancroft at a special council meeting in Blackpool Town Hall.

After an opening prayer from the Rev Michael Manley, council colleagues across the political spectrum and local community leaders spoke of their respect and affection for Coun Bancroft who died on July 11. Coun Bancroft's family were also present at the meeting last Friday.

Blackpool Mayor, Coun Sue Wright, said that the council and the people of Blackpool were deeply saddened to learn of his death. Newly-elected Labour leader Coun Roy Fisher said: "Everyone who knew George knew he was a fighter. He was held in high regard."

Council chief executive Graham Essex-Crosby spoke on behalf of council officers and staff. "Each of us will have our own memories and our own George Bancroft stories. He loved his 'unique town of Blackpool'. All the staff from the very top right down to the part-time staff will sadly miss him."

Tributes also came from Blackpool Transport managing director Tony Depledge and representatives of Blackpool Private Hoteliers Association and the Self Caterers Association.

Coun Bancroft's son Glen said: "We have always been proud of our dad and his achievements. The tributes paid to him we felt captured our dad and his unique personality.

"We hope that his memory will be a source of strength in your work as you move forward. He gave a life of commitment to the public and a life of love to his family."