Colleagues have spoken of their shock at the death of former Hyndburn councillor David Mason.
The ex-independent group leader died today after a short illness.
He served as councillor for 12 years in Great Harwood.
Indpendent councillor Nick Collingridge said: "His death came as a great shock. It's very tragic, as he was a young man.
"He will be sorely missed."
See next week's Accrington Observer for full tributes.
