A 'LOVING family man', former mayor and longstanding councillor has died.

Tributes have been paid to former Church ward representative John Broadley who died suddenly on Friday age 80.

He was elected to Hyndburn Council in 2002 and served the area until 2015, while he was also mayor for the borough in 2015.

Wife Jean Broadley, 77, was married to him for more than 50 years and said they had a 'wonderful' time together.

She said: "It was all so sudden, it was such a shock.

"He was just a lovely man and such a great worker.

"We'd been married for 53 years in June and I have no complaints at all.

"The year as mayor we went to so many great places.

"We met the queen in Accrington, we went to Buckingham Palace, it was lovely."

The father-of-three from Elmfield Street worked as an engineer at English Electric, Allspeeds and Lucas.

He had nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Mrs Broadley said: "He'd been ill for the last few weeks or so and all his children had been round to visit him.

"Everybody said what a great family man he was."

After he retired he also went back to work as a caretaker at Altham St James CE Primary School.

Since his death tributes have been pouring in from politicians Mr Broadley worked with.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said: "John was a true gentleman.

"He always had a smile for everyone and I don't ever recall him missing a single meeting.

"One of the most popular councillors who will be remembered by many."

Cllr Noordad Aziz, who represented Great Harwood, said: "John was a gentleman and think that's the best compliment I can give.

"No one had a bad word to say about him and he was a great guy."

Mr Broadley was also known for being Santa Claus at council Christmas events.

Hyndburn Mayor Cllr Peter Britcliffe said: "He was a very pleasant chap and a lovely man.

"He was liked by everyone across the council and was much loved in Church."

The funeral has not yet been arranged but is expected to take place next week.