CAMPAIGNING parish councillor and environmentalist John Wilkinson has died of pneumonia aged 90.

Mr Wilkinson, of Edisford, who was also fighting prostate cancer, campaigned all his life to improve the community.

His son, Raymond, has paid tribute to "a lovely, sensitive man who was very proud and cared for the area where he lived."

All Mr Wilkinson's working life was spent with the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE), later amalgamated into UNISON. He was area secretary until his late 70s and was made an honorary life member.

Raymond Wilkinson said his father, who was born and brought up in Clitheroe, had also been involved with the Trades Council and had worked for Bowland District Council keeping verges and ditches presentable.

"My father was responsible for planting most of the daffodils in Edisford. He was very passionate about the environment and very proud," said Mr Wilkinson.

"He was very frank and forthright and was also known for speaking out against planning applications, if he didn't agree - whether or not they were from friends of his."

In honour of his environmental and community work Mr Wilkinson received a Maundy Money purse in 1997 and was a runner-up in last year's Lancashire Evening Telegraph Grimewatch awards.

Mr Wilkinson leaves his son, granddaughters Amanda and Wanda and great granddaughter Hollie as well as close friends and neighbours Chris and Diana Wood and their daughter Josie.

A celebration of Mr Wilkinson's life will be held on Monday at All Hallows' Church, Mitton, at 1pm, followed by interment.

Mr Wilkinson added that all his father's friends are welcome to attend or send flowers.

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