ATHERTON'S elder statesman Cllr Joe Clarke OBE, has died just weeks after being made a Freeman of the Borough.

Cllr Clarke, aged 80, died yesterday (Thursday) at his home in the town following a short illness.

The popular, friendly grandfather and ex-Mayor, will long be remembered for his dedication to improving the region's public transport system.

He made a significant contribution to putting Manchester back on the tram track with the Metrolink while serving as chairman of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority.

Ironically on the day he died the Government announced £26m funding would be made available for one of his pet projects -- the Leigh Guided Busway -- if it gets the go-ahead after a public inquiry.

Wigan Council Leader, Lord Smith of Leigh, paid tribute to his close colleague.

Cllr Smith said: "We are all deeply saddened. Even though it was not unexpected it still came as a real shock to lose one of our finest public servants.

"Joe was simply the best loved politician in Greater Manchester and we will all miss him greatly.

"Our hearts go out to Joe's wife, Minnie, and his family.

"We last saw Joe in the town hall in November when we made him a Freeman of the Borough and I know he was deeply moved and very proud to be given this honour.

"He was major, vice-chairman of housing and a councillor for 30 years -- all terrific achievements. But Joe's special and outstanding contribution was his service to public transport."

Added Lord Smith: "He was the driving force behind Metrolink and the whole region will mourn this loss.

"It is sadly ironic his death should be announced on the same day the government announced £26m funding for Leigh guided busway something for which Joe lobbied long and hard. It will be a fitting memorial."

Born in 1920, Joe Clarke was Greater Manchester leading figure in transport affairs for the past decade.

An ex-miner he became a councillor with Atherton UDC in 1970 after serving as a National Union of Mineworkers officer.

He was Mayor of Wigan in 1993/4 and had been chairman of GMPTA since 1990.

In February this year he was awarded the OBE for his outstanding contribution to public transport.

He leaves a wife, Minnie -- they had been married over 50 years -- two sons and four grandchildren.

The funeral service is at noon on Wednesday in Atherton St Richard's Church.