THE long-serving chairman of Darwen Live has stood down.

Earcroft councillor Trevor Maxfield’s decision to retire was announced on the events Facebook page.

Senior politicians and music festival goers have joined together in praising his contribution to keeping the event going and making it an increasing success.

The Darwen Live Facebook site said: “After the review meeting for Darwen Live 2017, Cllr.Trevor ‘Max’ Maxfield has chosen to step down as chairman of the Darwen Live Committee.

“After many years of hard work co-ordinating the team that makes it the fantastic event that it is today, which isn’t as easy as it looks, he has decided that he would like to enjoy the event from the front next year.

“Also, another long serving member of the team, Rachel Brownlow, will be leaving us to be in the crowd with Max for Darwen Live 2018.

“On behalf of all of us that have been involved in the event, past and present, we would like to Thank Max and Rachel for their tireless efforts in bringing Darrener’s one of the Best Free Music Festivals in the UK.”

Cllr Maxfield, who is a heavy goods vehicle driver, is understood to have stood down because a new job involving long-distance trips had made it difficult for him to juggle work, his council responsibilities and Darwen Live.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Leisure boss, Cllr Damian Talbot, said: “Trevor has done a fantastic job over more than seven years both keeping Darwen Live going and making it the success it is today.

“It’s not only a centrepiece of Darwen’s social calendar but one of the most significant music festivals in East Lancashire.”

Sunnyhurst Labour councillor Dave Smith said: “I understand Trevor’s new job driving very long distances made it impossible to continue as chair of Darwen Live.

“He has provided incredible leadership and he and his team have done a fantastic job making it a really great event. He will be missed.”

Whitehall councillor and borough council Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr David Foster, said: “It has been a really successful event and Cllr Maxfield has done a great job in making that happen.”

Sarah Hudson posted on the site: “What a sad day for Darwen! Both have been an asset!”

Xenia Merry posted on the Darwen Live Facebook page: “Thank you both very much it’s been ace. Enjoy your time in the crowd next year.”

Ann Trobe posted: “ Thank-you for some amazing bank holidays.”While Paul Terry posted: “Thank you.”