A VETERAN councillor has been forced to step down through ill health - but been given a valedictory letter by the Prime Minister after his 15-year town hall stint.

Cllr Tony Beckett, who has represented Barrowford ward latterly, suffered an aneurysm last year and was given special dispensation by colleagues to remain in office recently, after being unable to attend meetings for six months.

David Cameron has praised the former Mayor of Pendle for his 'lasting and positive contribution to the party', which he also served as association chairman and deputy chairman.

The PM added in a letter: "As you will know from your own experience, communities across the country depend on the dedication and hard work of public servants and volunteers, like you, who give up their evenings, weekends and holidays to work for their constituents and put our Conservative values into practice.

"Without such loyal supporters we could not even think about fighting elections, so we are enormously grateful for everything that you have done."

Tony, who has also been a magistrate and Rotarian, earned widespread praise for his role as Nelson's town crier and has been a regular feature at the annual Lancashire Day celebrations.

His replacement will be determined in a by-election to be held on May 7, alongside the General Election and borough polls.

Originally he represented Nelson's Marsden ward, when he lived on Walton Lane.

Andrew Stephenson, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Pendle, said: "Tony has been a fantastic friend and mentor to me over the last nine years.

"His service to the local community over decades was incredible and I'm very sorry he has had to step down from the council."

And fellow Barrowford councillor Linda Crossley added: "Tony was an excellent councillor for Barrowford.

"He really cared for the village and the people he had been elected to represent.

"It has been a great pleasure working with him and he will be very much missed. I hope he soon recovers and wish him all the very best for the future."