FORMER Labour councillor and freeman of the borough of Bury Derek Boden has died aged 78.

Mr Boden was first elected to the former Whitefield Urban District Council in 1972.

He became a member of the new Bury Metropolitan Borough Council in 1974.

It is understood he had suffered from dementia and Parkinson's disease, and died at Royal Blackburn Hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The veteran community campaigner represented Besses ward in Whitefield for 40 years until standing down in 2012.

He was leader of Bury Council from 1997 to 2001 and also served as leader of the North West Regional Assembly.

The political stalwart was given the Freedom of the Borough in 2012 and shares the honour with Radcliffe-born film director Danny Boyle, the members of Bury band Elbow and England netball coach Tracey Neville.

After receiving the honour at a special ceremony, Mr Boden said: "It’s an honour to be made a freeman, but it’s not a recognition of something that only I have done, but a result of working together with many people to make a difference, including the residents of Besses.

"And it’s only possible because of the forbearance of my family who have had to put up with a lot over the years.”

Mr Boden received the OBE from the Queen in 2004 in recognition of his long service to local government.

He leaves daughters Alison and Rowen and three grandchildren. His wife Jean died in 2013.

He worked as an engineer with ICI for 27 years, helping to design and supervise construction of new plants.

Among those paying tribute today were Bury South MP Ivan Lewis.

He said: "RIP Derek Boden, my friend.

"My thoughts are with his family.

"Bury has lost a political giant. His intellect, oratory and integrity set him apart."

Besses Cllr Alan Matthews, who was elected in 1979, and served alongside Mr Boden for 34 years, said: "He was always my mentor.

"It was Derek who persuaded me to stand as a councillor in the first place. He always kept me on my toes.

"He was always extremely helpful to everyone - a true gentleman."

Cllr Matthews said Besses candidates for the forthcoming local elections would cease canvassing until Wednesday as a mark of respect.

Current Bury Council leader, Cllr Mike Connolly, said: "I’m very saddened to hear of Derek’s passing.

"He was an outstanding councillor, representing the people of Whitefield and the borough with tremendous passion, intelligence and integrity.

"On top of that, a nicer man you couldn’t wish to meet.

"He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Labour Member of European Parliament Thersa Griffin said: "So sorry to hear of the death of Cllr Derek Boden, a fantastic councillor and Labour activist and lovely man. RIP Derek, you will be missed."

Former Bury Cllr Matt Bailey said: "RIP Derek Boden.

"A more honest, dedicated, first-rate councillor and Bury Council leader you won't find. An inspiration to many. Thank you."

Redvales Cllr Tamoor Tariq said: "Sad to hear about passing of former leader of the council Derek Boden. A rare politician, honest, decent, humble and kind."

Cllr Tariq's fellow Labour Cllr Elizabeth Fitzgerald described Mr Boden as "a lovely man who led and served his community in Bury and especially in Besses."