ONE of East Lancashire's best-known politicians has died after losing a fight against cancer.

Tributes were today paid to Jack Bury OBE from councillors at both Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council - the two authorities he served during nearly 30 years of political service.

A former chairman of Lancashire County Council and a mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Council, he lost his battle against illness in the East Lancashire Hospice on New Year's Eve.

The 80-year-old, of Heys Lane, Blackburn, was today described as an 'inspirational political father-figure' by colleagues from across the political spectrum.

Mr Bury represented the Blackburn Ewood and Higher Croft area on Lancashire County Council for 18 years, until Blackburn with Darwen became a unitary authority and broke away from the county.

At the same time he had represented the Higher Croft area on Blackburn with Darwen Council since 1979, only standing down after serving as mayor of the borough in 2000/2001.

Mr Bury began his working life as a postman, served in the Royal Navy and also worked for an insurance firm in addition to his duties on the local councils.

He was also a chairman of the social services committee at Lancashire County Council and worked on national organisations relating to that department.

He was awarded the OBE in 1996 for his commitment to social services, and he later described his trip to Buckingham Palace as 'one of the proudest days of my life'.

He was surrounded by his family, including daughter Gail Barton - who is also a former Blackburn with Darwen councillor - when he died.

Council deputy leader Coun Maureen Bateson said: "Jack was not only a wonderful tutor in local government, but also a wonderful friend as well.

"He encouraged me to stand for election and I have learned so much from him. He will be sadly missed and my sympathies go to his family."

Lancashire County Council leader Hazel Harding, said: "This is very sad news. Jack was the sort of politician many of us aspired to be like, he was so committed.

"He will be remembered for his work in the area of social services, where he was involved on a national level, but also by many people for his sense of humour."

Blackburn with Darwen Tory councillor John Williams, who succeeded Mr Bury as mayor, said: "He was a man of honour and integrity, and someone who it was a challenge to follow on from as mayor."

Mr Bury had three daughters, one of whom died at an early age. Mr Bury's other living daughter, Pam, was consort in his mayoral year. His wife, Freda, died around 15 years ago.

Coun Andy Kay, who represented the same ward as Mr Bury, said: "Jack had the community at heart and was a man who didn't stand on ceremony. He was an excellent community leader."

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Coun Kate Hollern said: "This is a terrible sad loss, my heart goes out to his family. He was a champion for people of the borough regardless of their political persuasion. Jack just loved helping people."