TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known former policeman and road safety campaigner.

Great Harwood man Adrian Shurmer, who was also a former councillor and author, has been described as a ‘loyal and fairminded’ community man.

Mr Shurmer, who compiled the Shurmer’s Official Guide to Hyndburn and driver’s guide Mind How You Go, passed away at home on Sunday surrounded by his family.

The 69-year-old had been in good health until he was diagnosed with cancer in recent months.

A driving instructor with Lancashire Police for almost 30 years, he was passionate about spreading the word on road safety through his company Driver Awareness Ltd.

He spent several years teaching fledgling Premier League stars at Manchester United road safety.

Before setting up his company he spent a year as an independent Great Harwood councillor after a landslide election victory over former council leader George Slynn.

Friend John Duckworth, who is chairman of Great Harwood Regeneration Board, said: “Adrian was just a real character.

“In spite of his election success, he didn’t stay in politics too long and instead returned to road safety. He was too honest a man for politics.”

His wife Barbara Shurmer, 67, said: “Adrian was very active and we only went on holiday in November. He loved his driving awareness work and teaching people how to be safer. He got a lot of pleasure from it.

“When he was on the council, he was the only independent there, between two parties. It was like he was between the devil and the deep blue sea. But everyone who knew him knew he was loyal and fair-minded.”

Former council leader Peter Britcliffe said: “My thoughts are with Adrian’s family. He was a very forceful and determined councillor who worked very hard to improve highway issues in the borough.”

Former Great Harwood councillor Lynn Wilson said: “I knew him as a councillor first of all but I came to know him as a friend. A wonderful man.”

Mr Shurmer leaves sons, Simon and David and daughter-in-law Clair and granddaughters Sophie and Hannah.