TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘true champion of the community’ and former teacher who died suddenly.

Derek Ernest Mann, 79, died at Royal Blackburn Hospital after collapsing with a brain haemorrhage at his home at Knotts Lane, Colne.

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As the chairman of the Waterside Neighbourhood Action Group he was always keen to get local residents opinions to look for solutions.

He was often in Nelson, Colne and Burnley town centres with his information boards and loud hailer asking people to get involved in both local and national issues.

Mr Mann moved into Colne after retiring from teaching and quickly got involved in community life.

His daughter Alice said: “He became a member of the Colne in Bloom team and was often seen on Primet Hill tending the trees and picking up litter around the railway station.

“He hated to see properties standing empty and looked forward to a time when the brownfield ex-mill sites in Waterside would be developed.

“Ever the optimist my dad supported Selrap and firmly believed that the Skipton to Colne rail link would become a reality in the near future.”

Mr Mann was born in Barrow in Furness and was proud to be known as a Lancastrian.

After serving in the Army he married Suzanne, who survives him, in 1959.

He had three daughters Karen, Alice and Joanne.

In 1967 he opened up a newsagents in Bacup on the Fairview estate.

Later he began his teaching career at Alder Grange Secondary School in Rawtenstall.

After another house move to Haslingden he worked in Oldham as a peripatetic supply teacher and his final teaching was working with children with special needs and at the Muslim Girls High School in Blackburn.

Derek was an active member of the Liberal Party and stood for Parliament against Jack Straw in Blackburn in 1997.

He also appeared on television on a number of game shows including 15 to 1 and The Weakest Link.