A FORMER councillor who represented a town for more than 13 years has died at the age of 98.

Jessie Marie Hall MBE represented Great Harwood as a Conservative councillor from 1974 to 1987.

Miss Hall, who was given an MBE for her services to education, also served on Great Harwood Urban District Council throughout her political career.

She served as the mayor of Hyndburn in 1977 and was made an honorary alderman of the borough in 2004.

She was also a deputy headteacher of Mount Carmel RC High School and head of history at St Augustine's RC High School in Billington, where she also taught geography.

Cllr Tony Dobson, leader of the Hyndburn Conservative group, said: “Jessie was one of those people who was tenacious and was a stalwart of the borough, particularly during times that were not great.

“She was greatly respected by all her fellow councillors and patrons of the borough.

“I speak highly of her commitment to Hyndburn and the work she did.

“I’d like to pass on my deepest condolences to her family.”

Miss Hall served as a governor at Our Lady and St Hubert’s RC Primary School in Great Harwood for 40 years.

She was also a dedicated president of a girl guides and brownies group.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: “Jessie was a matriarch of the Conservative party.

“If you met Jessie you were always greeted with a firm handshake to remember her by.

“She was a major figure, not just for Great Harwood but for Hyndburn as a whole.

“I pass my deepest condolences to her extended family.

“She will be sorely missed.”

Posting on social media, Cllr Noordad Aziz, who represents the Netherton ward on Hyndburn Council, said: “My own experiences of Jessie was someone who was caring, charming and always had a smile on her face.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time.”

Those who knew Miss Hall took to social media to pay tribute.

On Facebook, Peter Cornwell said: “She was my history teacher.

“She was a lovely person who was generous with her time. A real loss to the town.”

Nick Murray said: “She was a remarkable lady. A long life, giving her time for others.”

Miss Hall’s funeral will be on Friday, August 24, at Our Lady and St Hubert’s RC Church in Great Harwood at 10am.