Tributes to 'kind and considerate' former Burnley councillor who has died from Covid related pneumonia

Former Labour councillor Mr Gary Frayling died in hospital on Monday aged 62.A true "community champion", Gary was one of the founder members and vice chairman of the Thursby Gardens Community Action Group which is based in the former Colne Road library in Burnley.

He he also served as a Labour councillor for the Bank Hall ward of Burnley for several years and was a volunteer at Pendleside Hospice.

Gary's friend of 25 years and fellow Labour councillor Lian Pate said: "Gary has been a friend of mine for nearly 25 years, since our boys were at nursery together. He always had a smile and a hug for me. He cared about everyone, and he loved his boy so much and was so proud of him.

"The way I would like to remember Gary is sneaking off to the bar for a nightcap with his friends John and Richard after our Labour meetings. They were like the Three Musketeers, always together. I'm really going to miss him."

Former Burnley Labour MP Julie Cooper said: "I would like to say how deeply saddened I was to hear of the death of Gary. Both I and my husband had known Gary for many years, back in the days when we were at Cooper's Chemist.

"Gary subsequently became a colleague, a friend and a great ally. He and I were Bank Hall Ward councillors together for several years and we had a many a laugh on the campaign trail.

"I will always remember Gary with great fondness and respect. My thoughts at this time are with his family, in particular with his son Bradley. Gary was so proud of him."

The leader of Burnley Borough Council, Coun. Mark Townsend also paid tribute to "kind and considerate" Gary.

He said: "Gary was a dedicated and hard working councillor for Bank Hall well liked and respected by the community. He was kind and considerate and it was always a pleasure to share time with him. He will be sadly missed by all of us in the local Labour Party."