THE only two-time mayor of Pendle, who was known as ‘the smiling councillor’, has died.

Colin Waite was first elected to the borough council in 1991 and served as the area's first citizen between 1998 and 1999 and again from 2001 to 2002.

The self-employed fishmonger, who served in the Queen's Lancashire Regiment from 1970 to 1976, died on Thursday, March 30, aged 62.

He served the Clover Hill ward for 15 years until his retirement in 2006 and was represented Nelson on Lancashire County Council.

After leaving politics he enjoyed working as a train conductor for Northern Rail.

Mr Waite is survived by two daughters, Kelly Jane Dixon and Vicki Waite, and his grandchildren Laura, Yousaf Abid and Lilly.

Mrs Dixon said: “Dad was a councillor because he really wanted to make a difference to people’s lives.

“He was a passionate people’s person who wanted to help.

"Nothing was ever too much trouble.”

Mr Waite enjoyed raising money for charity and during his mayoral years raised more than £11,000.

He was a passionate Burnley FC fan and he chose the colours claret and blue when it was his turn to host a Mayor’s Ball.

Messages of condolences have flooded in from all over the world.

Cllr George Adam said: “He was a fantastic mentor as mayor and I very much learnt the ropes from Colin when I took on the role in 2006.”

His funeral is taking place on Wednesday, April 12, at 12.15pm at St John Southworth, Vaughan Street, Nelson.

It will be followed by a short service at Burnley Crematorium at 1.40pm.

There will also be a celebration of his life at the James Hargreaves Suite at Turf Moor at 2.15pm.

The flags at Nelson and Colne Town Hall will fly at half-mast as a mark of respect on the day of the funeral.

His family have asked if people would like to make donations that they go to Pendleside Hospice and the Queen's Lancashire Memorial Arboretum Fund.