A POPULAR former Blackburn councillor and mother of four has died suddenly in hospital.

Tributes have been pouring in to former Bank Top councillor and teacher Paula Donaldson.

The 52-year-old from the Livesey Branch Road area died from liver failure at St James's University Hospital, Leeds.

She had been suffering from the complaint for some time and had recently been transferred from Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

Mrs Donaldson had served on Blackburn Council in the 1980s and was chairman of public services.

Her biggest task was overseeing the introduction of the controversial wheelie-bins in the borough.

Mrs Donaldson worked at Preston Polytechnic and was also an active member of the Livesey community association. Malcolm Doherty, leader of Blackburn Council, said: "Paula was a valued member of Blackburn Council and we are extremely saddened by her death at such an early age.

"She gave good service to the community."

Coun Don Rishton, a family friend, added: "Paula was very popular in the Bank Top area.

"This must be an extremely difficult time for the family and my sympathies go out to them."

Mrs Donaldson, who was divorced, leaves Eleanor, aged 24, Alexander, 22, Graham, 20, and Elizabeth, 17.

A service will take place at Blackburn Crematorium on Wednesday at 3.30pm.

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