TRIBUTES have been paid to a veteran councillor Ralph Snape, who has died.

It is believed that Mr Snape, who represented the Chorley North West ward, died earlier today.

The 90-year-old has been has been a councillor since May 1976 to present day.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle tweeted about the news.

Sir Hoyle added: "I have been told he was not very well but it is sad news.

"Ralph was Chorley through and through and he is an institution and when you talked about Chorley you thought about him.

"He was an Independent Councillor and often they don't get recognition but I was happy when he got his MBE.

"He was larger than life he had done his time with National Service in the RAF and he was well-respected all over the town.

"He was a great friend."

The Independent member was given an MBE back in 2007 for services to local politics.

Ralph was member of the council, licensing and public safety committee and the charitable trust meeting committee.

Leader of Chorley Council Alistair Bradley paid tribute to the veteran councillor.

He said: "Ralph has been a long-standing member of the council and was well-respected in the community.

"My heart goes out to his family at this time.

"He used to go round the houses and was well-respected for knowing everything that was going on and helping residents.

"It is credit to him that he remained Independent throughout his time.

"He will be sadly missed. 

"We have got a council meeting on Tuesday and I am sure councillors will pay tribute to him and Dennis Edgerley who died recently too.

"I take my hat off to them both."

Chorley Council posted on their Facebook page: "‪It is with great sadness that we learnt our longest serving member, Councillor Ralph Snape MBE, passed away this morning. RIP Mr Chorley you will be fondly remembered by everyone 😢‬"