A FORMER Darwen mayor, who rated the role as his finest achievement, has died aged 88.

Conservative Jim Swanton, who was mayor in 1975/76, collapsed at Birch Hall Nursing Home, Darwen, on Tuesday of a heart attack and died at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

His son George, 58, of Tockholes said his father would be remembered an active man who loved serving his Darwen community.

"He was committed to everything he did, from cricket to the council to his home," he said.

"I don't think he was interested in politics - it was more for Darwen people. They never stopped ringing.

"I remember people coming around about local issues to say their lamp was off or the bins hadn't been collected.

"Every time I went to visit him something would come up in conversation about him being mayor. That was his greatest achievement."

Mr Swanton was elected in 1968 in Darwen's West Central Ward and served on the council until 1986.

He was also a member of Darwen Cricket Club for over 50 years, as a player then club secretary.

He met his future wife Nora at a dance in Blackpool before the war and married in 1946. George was their only son. Nora died in October 2003.

As well as George, he leaves step-grandchildren Simon, 27, and Philip, 23.

The funeral is at 10.30am on Thursday at St Peter's Church. Donations can be sent to Darwen Cricket Club.