THE Blackburn-born former chief executive of Preston City Council Jim Carr has died.

The 69-year-old Rovers fan passed away on Sunday after being ill for several months.

A lifelong Blackburn resident he began his career as an officer at its Town Hall before moving on to the Commission for New Towns before joining the Preston local authority in 1982.

He leaves his wife of 42 years Pauline and two sons, Matthew and Paul.

After working in the finance department of the then borough council, he became temporary town clerk and chief executive in March 1996, securing the post on a permanent basis a year later.

Mr Carr spearheaded the town's successful bid for city status in 2002 to become the Golden Jubilee City marking the Queen's 50th year on the throne. He led preparations for its Preston Guild celebrations in 2012.

He retired in that year and he and Pauline enjoyed walking and ballroom dancing.

Former leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council Sir Bill Taylor said: “Jim Carr was a great bloke and a great family man.

“We knew Pauline, Matt and Paul well. Jim was humourous and humble.

“Jim, brought up on the Green Lane estate, was a great finance office for Blackburn and then Preston councils.

“He was held in high regard by both officers and members of both.”

Burnley-born Cllr Geoff Driver, leader of Lancashire County Council and Mr Carr’s predecessor as chief executive of Preston council, said: “This is really sad news. I knew Jim for 25 years. “He was a hard-working, loyal and respected colleague who always put the interests of Preston County Council and the people of Preston first.

“He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Pauline and her family.”

Harry Catherall, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: I send my condolences to the family.

 “Jim was well respected among his chief executive colleagues. He made a great contribution to local government in particular the city of Preston.”

Councillor Trevor Hart, Mayor of Preston, said: “This is very sad news.

"What he achieved for Preston is evident – securing city status was the beginning of the regeneration we have seen over a number of years, and still continues today.

“He was very hard working and will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Current Interim Chief Executive Adrian Phillips,added: “I had the privilege of working with Jim for a great many years and always held him in the very highest esteem.

"Jim led from the front and by example. He was passionate about both delivering great services for the people of Preston and seeking growth and prosperity for the city. He really believed in how great a city Preston could become for the benefit of all its residents.

“Jim was very well respected both within Preston and across Lancashire, we in this city and across our county have lost a great public servant and friend.

"My thoughts are with his wife, Pauline and their family during this very sad time.”