TRIBUTES have been paid to long-serving Horwich town councillor and twice mayor Kenneth Denton who has died at the age of 76.
A founder member of the Horwich and Blackrod First Independents (HBFI) group, Mr Denton passed away peacefully with his family at his side.
A councillor for more than 16 years, he was described as having "a passionate sense of duty to the people of Horwich."
Mr Denton leaves behind his wife Susan, another former Horwich mayor, their two daughters and four grandchildren.
He served in the military for 15 years, rising to the rank of sergeant. After the Army he continued to serve, joining the fire service for 18 years where he became chief officer at Horwich.
His voluntary work extended beyond the town. He set up Salford Junior football league where many of the members still fondly regard him as "The Boss".
Along with his friend Keith Wittingham, he saved the Horwich branch of the Royal British Legion after the members' club closed down.
It now one of the most active in the region, having more than 60 members and volunteers and won a poppy appeal award for fundraising.
A HBFI spokesperson said: "He dedicated his life to the town and people of Horwich."
While a councillor he was involved with the running of the Community Centre where he helped set up an over-50s lads club with Peter Wright.
During his time in office he became Mayor twice, holding the chains of office in 2007 to 2008 and 2015 to 2016.
The HBFI spokesman said: "Ken will be remembered fondly by all those whose lives he touched and is a loss to the town he loved.
"He had a no-nonsense, passionate sense of duty to the people of Horwich and was a serving councillor at the moment he left us. Council meetings will not feel the same without his sage guidance and humour, and he will be missed by all of us."
Fellow councillor David Grant, who represents Vale Ward, said: "I have known of the work Ken and Sue have done for our town over the years but only truly got to know them once we became members of HBFI.
"Ken became a friend and a mentor, someone I could sound ideas off, I will miss my friend and colleague dearly, a principled, honest and dedicated man who always had time for others. My thoughts go out to Sue and their family at this time."
A moment's silence will be held at the next council meeting in Mr Denton's memory.