MEMBERS of Mellor Parish Council have paid tribute to the work of former council clerk Frank Eccles, who has died aged 95.

Speaking on behalf of fellow members, Coun Charles Warkman, vice chairman of Mellor Parish Council said: "Although many of his contemporaries are no longer with us, Frank's achievements as clerk to the parish council, which he carried out for 17 years before retiring in 1972, still have an impact on the life of the village."

Mr Eccles was a Mellor resident all his life, up until two years ago, when he moved to a residential home in Aberystwyth and was described at his funeral service at Mellor Methodist Church as being "at the heart of the local community" by the minister, Rev Colin Anderton.

Coun Warkman added: "Frank was instrumental in obtaining street lighting and improved drainage facilities in his local area and was involved in setting up playing field facilities adjoining Mellor Lane.

"He was a mine of information on local matters and frequently consulted by members of the present council."

Mr Eccles worked at Blackburn Town Hall for 42 years, retiring in 1967 and was one of the best-known and most highly-respected figures in public life and the voluntary sector field. He was also known to many students at Blackburn's old College of Technology and Design, where he taught shorthand for more than 20 years.

After retiring he became a part-time worker for the Lancashire Association of Football Clubs.

He was also a cricketing enthusiast. Among his many interests were gardening, painting and poetry, and was a well-known presenter of dialect verses.

During the war, despite being slightly disabled, Frank served with the Royal Observer Corps.

He was involved in setting up the Mellor and District community association.

Coun Warkman added: "Frank was above all a democrat. He will be sadly missed."