Tributes have been paid to a heart attack victim, whose body was discovered by former council leader Councillor Peter Britcliffe.

Martin Catlow was discovered at his home on New Lane, Oswaldtwistle on Wednesday, October 5 by the Conservative group leader.

Mr Catlow’s older brother Peter said the former telecoms engineer had been suffering from breathing difficulties, but his death still came as a sudden shock.

He said: "He was always our kid to me. He had dozens of books and facts and figures and was a mine of useless information. Martin had been going quizzing at the local pub for a long time and his name is still on the leaderboard in the machine in the corner.

"He was a great friend and I don’t know anybody who had a bad word to say about him. After Margaret, his wife, died of cancer he was very brave but it knocked him. He was never the same bloke after she had gone."

The Conservative group leader on the council, Coun Britcliffe, regularly attended Blackburn Rovers matches with Mr Catlow and his wife of 38 years Margaret, who died last year.

He said: "Martin and Margaret were very good neighbours and friends and we shared a happy time together".

The couple had been avid travellers, especially to the USA, Mexico and Cuba, where they had visited dozens of times.

Mr Catlow, 66, was brother of Peter, brother in law of Pat, Lynda, Barbara, Neil and Ian, son-in-law of Frank and an uncle and friend to many.

A funeral cortege left Mr Catlow’s home on Monday, October 17 before a service and cremation at Accrington Crematorium.

A wake was then attended by more than 60 people at the Stop and Rest Inn in Oswaldtwistle.

Landlady Janet Metcalfe said: "Martin was a regular for many years and was one of the nicest men it’s been my pleasure to meet in 14 years in this job.

"He was an absolute gentleman. He will be very sadly missed."