TRIBUTES have been paid to a stalwart councillor, who served the people of Hyndburn for more than 20 years.

Former Accrington councillor Wendy Dwyer, who represented the Peel ward on Hyndburn Council, has passed away aged 81.

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The former chairman of Lancashire County Council served her constituents for 23 years and was made an honorary alderman in May when she finally stepped down from her seat before the local elections.

Mrs Dwyer, who her family said ‘loved Accrington to pieces’, lived on Stanley Street for more than 50 years and was an avid volunteer.

The grandmother and great-grandmother set up the Parkinson’s Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Support Group and worked for years as the chairman of the Helping Hands charity in Accrington.

Her daughter Sandra, said: “She died on Monday of unknown causes and we are all devastated.

“It was unexpected and a big shock to all of us.

“She was a lovely mother who always tried her best to help Accrington.

“She was born and raised in the Sale area in Cheshire, but she always said she loved Accrington to pieces and this was her home.

“We are all very moved by the touching words of the councillors and it shows how much she meant to everyone.”

County Cllr Bernard Dawson, who represents Accrington South, said the mother-of-five’s death was a ‘big loss’.

He said: “I have known Wendy for over 40 years and it’s a big, big loss to the town.

“She helped me with my council work, but she was much more than a councillor.

“She was an incredibly lovely woman who just wanted to help people and always tried to do her very best.”

County Cllr Peter Britcliffe, who represents Oswaldtwistle, said: “It’s very sad news to hear about the death of Wendy Dwyer.

“She was a lovely lovely lady.

“I only spoke to her on Friday as she left her voluntary work at the credit union in Accrington market hall.

“’See you next week’ she said. “Sadly I won’t, and Accrington is a poorer place without her.

“My thoughts go out to her family and friends.”

Mrs Dwyer, a widow, leaves sons Mark and Paul Dwyer, daughters Sandra, Kathryn and Nina, one grandson, two granddaughters and one great-great granddaughter.