TRIBUTES have been paid to a Nelson town councillor described as 'one of the nicest men you could hope to meet'.

Mike Landriau died suddenly on Tuesday morning after suffering a heart attack.

Mr Landriau, of Walton Lane, had just been elected for a second four-year term on Nelson Town Council, and his colleagues paid tribute to him with a minutes silence before their meeting on Wednesday night.

Cllr Eileen Ansar said: "He was not only a town councillor but he was heavily involved with his local church. He was one of the nicest men you could hope to meet and such a genuine person."

Mr Landriau, a Conservative, had played the role of Father Christmas for the past three years for the town council and he was involved in a number of community groups.

He had previously served in the Army with the Pay Corps and was a member of the Royal British Legion in the town.

Cllr George Adam said: "I have known Mike for a number of years, he was a member of the Royal British Legion of which I was chair.

"He was involved in a lot of community and volunteer groups, he was a really nice man and he got on with everyone.

"It came as a real shock, he was a stalwart of the community."

Mr Landriau, who served the Marsden ward, was married to Doreen and they had two children together.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: "I am very shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Nelson Town Councillor Michael Landriau.

"Mike represented the Marsden ward on the town council since its creation and was re-elected once again on May 7.

"He was an exceptional councillor and community champion who will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time."

Cllr Joe Cooney, the leader of the Conservative group on Pendle Council, said: "I am saddened to hear about the sudden death of Nelson town councillor Mike Landriau. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Cllr Dorothy Lord said: "I've known Mike for over 30 years. He was one of life's true gents."