It is with great sadness we write of the death of community worker Mr Mohammed Aslam.

Educated in Jhelum, Pakistan, Mr Aslam came to England in 1960 and like many first generation immigrants worked in the mills. He then went on to become a bus conductor.

After some time he moved to Belgium and then to Rotterdam in Holland. His wife, daughter and son joined him in Holland, where later two of his other sons were born. He came back to England in 1978 with his family to settle in Brierfield.

After many years working in local factories he retired and dedicated much of his life to volunteering. He helped with the Spring Festivals in Brierfield and led cleaning projects at the Jamia Ghausia Sultania Mosque in Brierfield on a daily basis.

He was a leading member of the Islamic Funeral Service Brierfield Committee and Mosque Committee member.

He took on the role of completing the Ghusl (special funeral wash) to those men that had just passed away. Mr Aslam did this to a lot of people and was always there for families whenever they needed him at this time.

As a leading member of the community it was the little things that many in his neighbourhood will remember him for most. He helped all his neighbours, both Asian and non-Asian, in their daily tasks. And he kept a close eye on his elderly neighbours.

A proud member of Pendle’s community he was insistant that the neighbourhood should be kept clean of all litter.

Rather than wait for public funds for street projects he took it on himself to complete them. Some years ago he helped to Tarmac an area that had been left abandoned.

He was always dressed smartly and will be remembered by many for his smile. He greeted everyone with respect regardless of whether they were children, old or from the non Asian community.

He respected everyone and always looked very happy and cheerful. He would help, give advice and reassure anyone whenever they were in any sort of crisis.

Weeks have passed and the family, friends and the community are still in shock and trying to come to terms with this loss. Mr Aslam had a profound affect on a daily basis with people from all communties.

Shakila Abid his eldest daughter said: “As a family we will do and try our best to fulfil all his roles and responsibilities which he did for the community, but it will take time because we still haven’t got over the shock and the loss of our dear caring dad.”

Mohammed Aslam born Saturday, March 9, 1940, died aged 70 Friday, October 22, 2010. He leaves behind his wife Mrs Surriya Begum Aslam, two daughers Shakila Abid and Uzma Mirza and sons Zaheer Aslam, Zawar Aslam and Wasim Aslam.

He had 13 adoring grandchildren.