TRIBUTES have been paid to a veteran councillor and community campaigner.

Former Scots Guardsman Brian Walmsley served on Hyndburn Council for 14 years and supported youth clubs as a volunteer for 40 years.

The 74-year-old Oswaldtwistle politician was honoured for his many years of work in the community last year when he was made an Honorary Alderman.

A grandfather and father-of-two, he lost his seat on Hyndburn Council in local elections last year.

Working with Lancashire Youth Clubs for 40 years, he was well known for his part in the campaign to provide the original football pavillion at White Ash Playing Fields.

In more recent years, he fought for the fire-destroyed facility to be replaced by modern changing rooms, which were then named after the St Andrew’s ward councillor.

Conservative leader Peter Britcliffe said: “Myself and Brian worked on the same ward for many years and his death is such a sad loss. He had led a very interesting life but he was such a modest man too. He was a gentlemen and one of the few people I never heard anyone say a bad word against.

“Our thoughts go out to his family.”

Hyndburn Council leader Miles Parkinson said: “Sports and leisure were Brian’s foremost passion but in his long years serving the council he made many changes in all areas. He was one of those politicians who was well liked by all sides. It was sad when we lost him from the council and it is very sad now to lose someone who had given so much to his community.”

First elected to the council in 1998, Mr Walmsley served on over 30 council panels and committees and supported over 20 outside bodies and trusts.