POLITICAL parties united to salute councillor Ken Pinder at a special civic meeting ahead of his funeral on Tuesday morning.

Ken had been a councillor for 12 years and, during a period when the local authority was run by a Labour administration, he held portfolios for sport and culture and safer communities.

The Mayor of St Helens, Councillor John Beirne invited a motion of condolence, saying: “The members of the council place on record their deep sense of regret at the loss which they and the borough have sustained by the death of Councillor Ken Pinder.

“Councillor Pinder always endeavoured to advance the municipal interests of the borough. "The council wishes to extend to the family its deepest sympathy in their bereavement.”

St Helens’ Labour Councillor Marie Rimmer led the tributes, saying: “Ken was a lovely man who loved people and people loved him. He was respected by the people of Parr.

“He was actively involved with the local youth centres and in several neighbourhood renewal schemes, especially Bold Miners and ReNew Parr and he achieved so much.

"I will miss him as a friend and a colleague.”

Lib Dem Council leader Brian Spencer described Ken as a ‘gentleman’, adding: “He was perhaps too nice for politics. I never heard a cross word from him. He served his community well and he was well respected. ”

And Councillor Ken Roughley described him as a “descent, honest and hard working and a totally dedicated ward councillor”, adding: “ He loved to read and this was expressed in our improved library service, especially Parr.

"His concern for youth was always uppermost in his thoughts and he worked so hard to bring about improved services to our young people. He will be sadly missed.”

A funeral service followed at St Vincent de Paul RC Church, Derbyshire Hill Road, Parr which was attended by family, friends, councillors and St Helens Council officers.