A town trader has been invited to attend the funeral of Cilla Black.

Kevin Horkin, 52, who owns Spex Opticians in Church Street, became close friends with the singer and TV personality through charity work.

Cilla, who is best known for her TV shows Surprise Surprise and Blind Date, was found dead at her home in Spain after suffering a stroke on August 2.

Kevin, who stood as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Hyndburn at May’s general election, has been invited to attend the funeral at St Mary’s Church in Liverpool on Thursday, August 20.

The former St Oswald’s and Holy Family Roman Catholic College pupil said: “Cilla was one of my oldest and dearest friends.

“I have known her for over 24 years. She contributed to two Celebrity Books I authored one called ‘Pets and Personalities on Coronation Street’ which she wrote the foreword to and ‘Star Dogs: What the Celebrities Think About Their Pets’ which she appeared prominently in.

“She was a strong proponent of responsible pet ownership which was a key message of both books.”

Kevin said that Cilla was a strong supporter of the Community Foundation, of which he is a member. The charitable trust helps donors to support residents by channelling money into community projects.

He added: “She attended three events I have hosted for the Community Foundation two at Number 10 Downing Street with the Prime Minister David Cameron and more recently last year with the Chancelor George Osborne.

“She believed in giving back to the people who helped her achieve the fame she richly deserved.”

The former Hynbdurn councillor added: “Cilla was a strong believer in delivering help and assistance to less well-off members of society.

“She gave of her time freely and was never too busy to attend charitable events hosted by the charity.”

The funeral procession in Liverpool will be held at 1pm.

Members of the public who wish to pay their respects have been asked to line the two mile route. Cilla will be buried alongside her parents at a private service in Allerton.

Her sons revealed this week that her headstone will read “Here lies Cilla the singer” in line with her wishes.