THE retiring deputy leader of a council has been praised by his Conservative boss and the leader of the Labour opposition group.

Earlier this month Cllr Albert Atkinson announced he was quitting as deputy leader of Lancashire County Council.

The 79-year-old will also stand down as Ribble Valley North-East county councillor when the authority is next up for election in May 2021.

Cllr Atkinson will have been deputy leader of the county Conservative group for 14 years when he stand down on May 2.

County leader Cllr Geoff Driver and Labour group boss Cllr Azhar Ali both praised Cllr Atkinson for his almost 30 years service.

His post as deputy will be taken by highways boss and Chorley Rural West representative Keith Iddon.

Burnley-born Cllr Driver said: "On a personal basis, Albert and I have worked together since 1999 and we have a superb working relationship.

"We have led the Conservative group both in opposition and in administration and I think it is fair to say that together we have achieved much.

"It is a matter of record that I have faced difficult times in the last few years and Albert has always been there for me.

"The county council, the Conservative group and myself owe Albert a huge vote of thanks."

Cllr Ali, who represents Nelson East, said: "Albert is a big personality.

"He has given his all for the people of Lancashire.

"Albert will be much missed."

Cllr Atkinson will continue as a cabinet Member responsible for waste disposal, the coroners' and registrars' service and trading standards.