The family of a former businessman, magistrate and councillor have paid tribute to him after he died in his sleep on April 13 aged 87.

Alan Matthews Bracewell, of Church Lane, Accrington served as a Conservative councillor for the Enfield Ward of Clayton-le-Moors Council in the 1960s.

He was later appointed as a magistrate on the Blackburn and Church Bench for ten years. He was also well-known as the owner of A.M. Bracewell Transport Ltd, based in Accrington.

Son Chris said Alan (pictured) will be remembered as a man who did his best for his family and community.

He explained: “He liked to regard himself as the boss and would refer to himself as that on occasions. He was a very generous man and had many well thought out opinions which he liked to apply and see through.”

Alan was the head of a large family alongside his wife of 64 years, Gladys. He had three sons Chris, Robin and Andrew, and a daughter, Judith. He also had nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

After a stroke severely limited his physical health, he became an inspiration for them.

Chris said: “He certainly looked after his children and wanted to see them succeed. It meant a lot. Until his final day he was as bright as a button and coped exceptionally well despite his body deteriorating.”

After taking over the family business from his grandfather, Alan enjoyed a long life working with vehicles and during the war was stationed in Egypt as an engineer on tanks.

Chris said: “It’s funny because he spent his whole life driving but never passed his driving test. He first drove when he was 17 and he didn’t stop for 70 years.”

The funeral is on Saturday, April 26 at All Saints Church at 9.45am. Donations to be made to the church. Funeral director: L Champ Funeral Services, Clayton-le-Moors.