Tributes to devoted family man and community-spirited Burnley councillor

Mr Tom Porter, who was a Liberal Democrat councillor in Ightenhill with Whittlefield from 2010 to 2018, died aged 66 at home in Ightenhill this week surrounded by his family.

Burnley born and bred, Mr Porter grew up in Cog Lane and worked all his life as a draftsman before he retired three years ago.

Married to Debbie, Tom also leaves three daughters, a stepson and two grandchildren.

Debbie said: "Tom adored his family and would do anything for anybody. He actually got into local politics when someone at the pub told him he would be good at it. He dismissed it at first but he was asked again and so decided to give it a go.

"He ended up loving it and took to it like a duck to water. He was not in it for the money and would help anyone as best he could. He had a real community spirit."

Away from politics and work, Tom enjoyed golf, walking, holidays and old films.

Debbie added: "Tom had a very dry sense of humour, he was great fun and would strike up a conversation with complete strangers. He was loved by everybody who knew him and will be very sadly missed."

Tom's funeral will take place next Friday at Burnley Crematorium at 10am.