Tributes have been paid a former Mayoress of a Lancashire council who has died aged 71.

Tahzeem Akhtar Hussain, the wife of Blackburn with Darwen Councillor Hussain Akhtar died on Wednesday (April 6) following a heart attack.

Mrs Hussain and Cllr Akhtar had been married since 1969 and came to the UK a year later with her husband.

The couple lived in Chatburn Street before opening a popular grocers in Whalley Range.

Cllr Akhtar paid tributes to his wife of 53 years describing her as someone who was dedicated to helping others.

He said: “As a family we are deeply saddened.

"She was always by my side and would do anything to help anyone.

“My work as a councillor and anything else I have been able to do would not have been possible without the support of my wife.

“Many people will also remember my wife from her work at the grocers we owned where she would help out as much as she could.

“We have received thousands of messages of condolence already from across the world and it is heart-warming to hear of people’s support at this difficult time.”

Cllr Akhtar said his wife, a mother of five and grandma to eleven, was dedicated to her family and her religion.

“She had been ill for some time but recently she had been getting better.

"On Wednesday she did Wudu (ablution) and then asked to read the Quran. She then said she was feeling a little dizzy.

“We called the ambulance but sadly despite their best efforts she passed away.”

Mrs Hussain served as Mayoress in 2016, alongside her daughter, after decades supporting her husband who is one of the borough’s most well-known councillors.

Cllr Akhtar said: “As Mayoress she would attend as many events and charity functions whenever she could.

“She was so happy when we were invited some years earlier to Buckingham Palace and she got to shake hands with the Queen. It as a proud moment for both of us at the time.”

Cllr Akhtar added: “I would like to thank everyone across all our communities who have sent messages of condolence.”

Denise Park, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: ‘’We are saddened to learn of the recent passing of our former Mayoress Tahzeem Akhtar Hussain. 

“She was kind and caring in nature and during her time as Mayoress, she supported her husband Cllr Hussain Akhtar in his duties as the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen for 2016/17 and donated to charities close to her heart like The East Lancashire Hospice and The North West Air Ambulance. 

“It’s especially sad to lose a loved one during Ramadan and our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. She will be deeply missed by many that knew her but never forgotten.’’

The funeral prayers and burial took place at Pleasington Cemetery on Thursday (April 7).