TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘pioneering’ campaigner for older people’s rights.

John Davis, a director of Hyndburn Community Network, former chair of Hyndburn Over 50s Forum, and chair of You and Old United (YOU), died earlier this month at the age of 73.

Since 2002, he dedicated his time to improving the lives of older people by collecting information on services, setting up activities and holding meetings with authorities and younger people.

YOU member Arthur Bateman, said: “John really moved things on for the over 50s in Hyndburn.

“He really was a pioneer, but his main aim was just to do better for the older people of this area and to bring them some pleasure.”

A highlight of Mr Davis’ work was the launch of the Older People’s Day on October 1 last year, and also a week of activities in Hyndburn for the Full of Life campaign.

Barbara Sharples, Hyndburn Co-mmunity Network manager, said: “John was a real gentleman and brought a special blend of prof-essional experience to the board of the Network.”

Mr Davis, of Russell Close, Great Harwood, died suddenly on January 6.

An inquest will be heard in March to establish the cause of death, but he had recently been suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, a condition affecting the lungs.

He was passionate about food, and after a career in the Merchant Navy and driving coaches, he began managing restaurants, including the Five Acres Club in Yorkshire, the Punch Bowl in Hurst Green, and the Calves Head in Worston.

Daughter Jaydee, 24, said: “He was a brilliant family man who would do anything for anyone.

“He never stopped working for the older people of Hyndburn.

“He used to say that if he could give anything back to the comm-unity, he would do.”

He leaves wife Pam, daughter Jaydee and son Danny, 30.

His funeral will be held at 11am on Wednesday at Accrington Crematorium.