Tributes have been paid to a council chief who is set to retire.

Deputy chief executive Steve Tanti will leave Hyndburn Council at the end of March.

Speaking at a council meeting last week, Tory councillor Peter Britcliffe said he was the ‘most modest and unassuming man’.

He added: “He has given great support to politicians of all sides.

“During my time as leader of the council, I valued his support most highly and he is a man who got things done in the council.

“His greatest achievement is perhaps taking us to a leisure trust, which has helped us to invest in sporting facilities that are now available in the borough.”

Council leader Miles Parkinson told the meeting he had served with ‘distinction’.

He said: “I hope you have many fond memories of the people you have worked with.”

Chief executive David Welsby added: “He’s one of the best appointments the council ever made and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.”