FORMER Mayor of Burnley John Hudson has died at home aged 87.

Mr Hudson, of Jalna residential home, in Manchester Road, Burnley, was the town's civic leader in 1980-81, with his late wife, Lily.

The couple met at a dance at 'Jimmy's' dance hall and married at the former St Margaret's Church, in Abel Street, on January 25, 1936.

During his year in office he completed more than 360 official engagements, including numerous visits to couples on their golden wedding day.

A fanatical Burnley football fan and known as Mr Clarion to many of his friends, John was also secretary of the former Clarion Club, in Smirthwaite Street, for 25 years until he retired in the late 1980s.

A former weaver, he also worked at a number of other occupations, including about 30 years for Lucas's engineering company -- finishing as a foreman wages booking clerk.

He has two daughters, Beryl Hudson and Maureen Baker, and two sons, Ronnie and David.

The funeral will take place at Burnley Crematorium on Thursday February 1 at 1.30pm.