The Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton has added his voice to those mourning the death of former council leader Cliff Morris.

Cllr Morris, who served as leader of Bolton Council, mayor and councillor for Halliwell, died this week at the age of 80.

Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with Vice Chancellor Professor George E Holmes of the University of Bolton the latest notable figure to share his memories of the late civic leader.

He said: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Cliff Morris.

“He was a remarkable man, I worked with him constantly during the 11 years of his tenure as leader of Bolton Council.

“During that time, he was always professional, hardworking and one hundred percent committed to this Town.

“Cliffs door was always open to me, and I benefited from his support of the university in everything we wanted to do.

“He was open minded, a very clever politician and really skilled at reading people and understanding the complexities of situations.

“I admired Cliff the man and cliff the leader, may he rest in peace and his family take comfort in a man whose life and contribution to society as leader they can be truly proud of.”