TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘charming and passionate’ former Hyndburn councillor.

Joyce Beswick, was a councillor for Oswaldtwistle on Hyndburn Council from 1996 until 2000.

Known as Joy, she died in May this year, and senior members of Hyndburn council took the opportunity to pay tributes to her at the first full council meeting since her death, which took place on Thursday night.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, council leader, said: “She was a charming lady and she did a lot of great work for the Oswaldtwistle area.

“You would always see her knitting away, whatever was going on in council meetings she wouldn’t drop a stitch, that’s what I will remember Joy most for.”

Cllr Tony Dobson, leader of the opposition, said: “It is always important this council remembers those who have given time for the greater good of the borough.

“I give my sincerest condolences to her family.”

A minutes silence was held at the meeting to remember her.