TRIBUTES were paid to long-standing member of the former Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Health Authority County Councillor Joe French, who was found dead on Tuesday.

The body of County Coun French, 78, a politician in Pendle for decades, was found at his home at the Imperial Gardens sheltered housing complex, Nelson.

Chief executive of Burnley Health Care NHS Trust, David Chew said: "I knew him over a long period in the 1980s and as a member of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Health Authority and he always made a contribution and always had patients as his first concern."

Community Health Council chairman Coun Frank Clifford said: "He was selfless in his determination.

"He had just returned from holiday when he had a fall and he was hospitalised for four days. He was found at home with his phone in his hand obviously looking for help.

"It is very sad that someone who devoted a lifetime of service to people should pass away alone."

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