Dignitaries paid their respects at the funeral of former Mayor of Hyndburn Len Dickinson.

Mr Dickinson, of Dill Hall Lane, Church was made an Honorary Alderman in 2003 and awarded the Freedom of the Borough two years ago.

Around 150 mourners, including the current mayor, aldermen and councillors past and present attended a moving service at St James Church, Church-Kirk on Wednesday, July 18. The service was conducted by Father Neville Ashton and was followed by cremation at Accrington Crematorium.

Council leader Miles Parkinson said Mr Dickinson was fondly remembered following his service of nearly four decades as a town, borough and county councillor.

He said: "It was a very poignant and moving occasion which paid fitting tribute to Len for his many years of public service."

A former school governor and postman, Mr Dickinson served as Mayor of Hyndburn in 1986/87.

He died of pneumonia on Thursday, June 28 following a period of ill-health, aged 78.

He leaves his wife Jean, children Lyndon, Carole and Wendy, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Donations in his memory can be made to the North West Air Ambulance Service c/o Hyndburn Funeral Services, Queens Road, Accrington.