A FORMER Mayor of Adlington has died at the age of 82.

Idris Rees served as town mayor three times and was president of Adlington carnival for 29 years.

He had suffered health problems throughout his life and died at St Catherine's Hospice, Preston.

Mr Rees, who was brought up in Wales, was a well-known character in the village and was involved in many local organisations, including the Adlington Wine and Beer Guild, and the Inskip League of Friendship, and also had a passion for canal boats.

He leaves a wife, Rose, who lives at Grove House residential home.

His friend and fellow carnival organiser, Colin Prescott, said: "He was a very good friend to me and I don't think the village will ever be able to replace a character like that.

"Nothing was too much trouble for him to do for anyone and he will be very sadly missed."