A POPULAR Hyndburn councillor, described by her daughter as a "wonderful woman", has died after a six month battle with lung cancer.

June Butler, 73, was taken to the East Lancashire Hospice on Monday when her condition deteriorated, and she died at 8.30am on Tuesday.

Born and bred in Rishton the mother-of-three and grandmother-of-two was always involved in working to improve the town, as a special constable for many years and in recent years as a ward councillor for Rishton on Hyndburn Council.

Her daughter Sue Johnson, 35, of Hoddlesden, said: "She was very much a part of the community. As a councillor she was not really a party political person, she just wanted to do her bit for her community."

Coun Butler, who was married to Arthur, who died eight years ago, for nearly 40 years, also enjoyed amateur dramatics and singing and was a member of the Rishton Parish Church Choir for many years.

Sue said: "She had so many interests, and she encouraged us to pursue our interests.

"Mum was the most enthusiastic person you could meet and had so much energy. She had a passion for her family and her community. You couldn't meet a more wonderful woman."

Coun Butler, who was elected to the council in 1999, was diagnosed with lung cancer in August but Sue said she remained positive throughout her illness.

She said: "She was amazing - I can't believe how brave she was. It made looking after her really easy. She never really complained and had a positive outlook all the way through."

Council and Conservative group leader, Councillor Peter Britcliffe, said: "It is a very sad loss to the Conservative group - she was a very popular member, who was liked by everyone.

"She was a tremendous worker for Rishton and was very proud of her role as chairman of Rishton Area Council."

Coun Butler leaves three daughters, Sue, Nicky Zsigmond, 45, and Alyson Hobin, 46, and two grandchildren, Grace, 17, and David, 13.

Her funeral was held at Rishton Parish Church today, followed by a cremation at Accrington Crematorium.The family has asked for donations to be made to the East Lancashire Hospice.