THE funeral of a former councillor who recently died will take place tomorrow morning.

Diana Ashworth, who once held the children's services portfolio at the town hall, died aged 72 on July 26.

She died at Pendleside Hospice in Brierfield due to complications following surgery.

Mrs Ashworth was elected as a Conservative councillor in 2006 and represented Ramsbottom for four years.

Her daughter-in-law Soraya Marley described her as a "very popular" and "well-respected" person in the community.

She said: "Diana gave a tremendous amount to the local community, including being a former trustee for a local charity called Early Break based in Radcliffe."

The funeral of Diana Ashworth will be held at 11am on Friday August 9 at Accrington Crematorium.

Mrs Ashworth expressed a wish that no black is worn at her funeral.

The family have also invited everyone to celebrate Diana’s life after the service at The Sykeside Country House Hotel in Haslingden.

Family flowers only with donations to Pendleside Hospice or The Swallows, via the funeral directors Fred Hamer in Rawtenstall.