TRIBUTES began pouring in today for former Mayor of Pendle Councillor Jo Belbin, who died suddenly on Wednesday.

And as was fitting for the devoted green campaigner, she is expected to have Pendle's first 'green' burial.

Her youngest son, Richard, 36, said: "The green burial has been agreed by the council and she will be the first person to have such a ceremony in Pendle, which she wanted. It will be some time next week in Barrowford."

Coun Belbin, who became mayor of the borough in 1997 with her husband, John, by her side, fulfilled many roles during her political career and was well-known in both Colne, where she represented the Boulsworth ward and in Laneshawbridge, where she lived.

Stephen Barnes, chief executive of Pendle Council, said: "This is a tragedy. We have lost a significant community leader. She was a principled, caring and talented councillor always able to put the community first and very able to give clear leadership, particularly on environmental issues, something which she cared particularly deeply about.

"She loved Pendle. She fought hard and worked hard for the area both as a past mayor and chair of Colne Area Committee. She has died in Pendle's service and our citizens will remember her contribution for many years to come."

Coun Belbin died at about 6pm on Wednesday at Airedale Hospital, Keighley.

She was rushed into hospital the previous Sunday and had to undergo an operation after a swelling on her bowel burst.

Her family said she was kept sedated but did not come round from the operation.

AsCoun Belbin was chair of the Colne and District Committee, she often campaigned for green issues.

She was also a member of the overview and scrutiny management committee, development control committee, standards committee, Colne Town Centre Regeneration Forum, Colne Markets Advisory Panel and vice-chair Waterside and Vivary Bridge CED Partnership.

Fellow Colne councillor Edwina Sargeant, said she would be sadly missed. "She was a friend and colleague and always ready to listen in whatever way she could. She was a very strong lady and I got on with her very well.

"My heart goes out to her husband, John and her family. She was so friendly and very easy-going in one sense, yet a very strong lady once she had made her mind up."

Leader of the council Coun Azhar Ali, who is currently in the Middle East, said: "I was very sorry to hear about Jo's death. It is a sad day for the people of Pendle. She was a very dedicated councillor and will be sorely missed, particularly for her work on green issues."

Coun Belbin moved from Sheffield to West Kirby before moving to Laneshawbridge in 1974.

She leaves behind her husband John, three sons Richard, 36, Paul, 42 and David, 45, her daughter Fran, 37, and four grandchildren.