A Great Harwood man who designed the Olympic Park for the London 2012 Games has died aged just 59.

John Hopkins was the architect behind the park and passed away from natural causes at the University of Pennsylvania where he was working as a lecturer, on January 21.

Mr Hopkins was a leader in sustainable living and ecological design and his vision transformed London's East End.

The park included bat boxes, habitats for otters, voles, kingfishers and reptiles and was the most 'biodiverse' Olympic campus in the Games' history.

Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson paid tribute to Mr Hopkins' contributions to the nation.

He said: "He's another famous son of the borough and people aren't always aware of the contributions people from the area have made be it to industry or the arts or culture.

"Of course the news of his death is very sad for his family but his legacy in the Olympic Games will live on.

"He was a hidden gem and it shows what can be achieved by people coming from the borough."

Mr Hopkins was also a board member on the Olympic Delivery Authority responsible for the management of the Games.

Sir John Armitt, chairman of the authority, said: “We are all shocked by the sad news of John Hopkins’ passing. He was pivotal in shaping and then delivering our vision of an important new park transforming this part of London.

“So many people delighted in seeing the parklands and public open spaces last summer – which will now be an enduring legacy of John’s work. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time.”

He attended St Wulstan's Primary School in Great Harwood and later St Augustine's in Billington and St Mary's College in Blackburn.

A public memorial service is expected to be held at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park later this year.