TRIBUTES have been paid to a former council group leader and alderman of Hyndburn.

Community leaders have described Honorary Alderman Kenneth Curtis’ who has died aged 83, as ‘a great man and a true gentleman’.

Mr Curtis, of Richmond Hill Street, Accrington, was the former leader of the Labour group and served as councillor for 32 years until 2002.

He represented the Accrington Higher Antley Ward which is now Central Ward.

Current Labour Leader Miles Parkinson said: “I had the privilege to be taken under his wing as a young councillor.

"He was one of the council’s giants and was looked up to with much admiration.

“He was a true gentleman and a quiet person who achieved things without fuss or acclaim.”

Conservative leader Peter Britcliffe said: “Wh-en I took over the council in 1999.

"Kenneth was the opposition leader. He was a great man and he always treated everybody with respect.

"I considered him a friend as well as a colleague.”

The former Howard and Bullough engineer, was also a shop steward at Avew for many years.

Mr Curtis was the chairman of committees including the CCT panel, Highways and Transportation, the Management Board, and Technical Services Committee.

In 2003 he was made an Honorary Alderman in recognition of his services.

Mr Curtis died on June 12 and his funeral will be held on Friday, June 24 at St James’ Church, Accrington, at noon followed by cremation at Accrington at 1pm.