TRIBUTES have been paid to a councillor in Cumbria who has died. 

Cllr John McCreesh died on Saturday aged 61. It is understood he is believed to have suffered a heart attack. 

Cllr Patricia Bell, Deputy Leader of Cumbria County Council said: “This is devastating news and so unexpected. Only this week John was at the heart of business at the county council at a meeting of our Full Council on Thursday and at Cabinet Briefing on Friday.

“John was always a tower of strength to me and to anyone who knew him. He was passionate and committed, as a colleague and more importantly as a close friend. This is a very sad loss for Cumbria, his family, his community and to local government. Our thoughts are obviously with his wife and his family at this difficult time.”

Cllr McCreesh was a Liberal Democrat councillor who represented Kendal Strickland and Fell. 

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: "I'm stunned and devastated by John's death and am heartbroken for his wife Mel to whom he was utterly devoted. Whenever I saw John and Mel walking together they always held hands which struck me and touched me. 

"John was a man who lived out his principles in practice, a sincere environmentalist and a man whose faith gave him real strength in his convictions. John made a huge difference for local people, he was a servant of the community and a committed Liberal for many many years. We've lost one of our best, but we will fight on in his honour.” 

Leader of South Lakeland District Council Peter Thornton added: "John’s passion was for the environment and for how we could better live in it. He was knowledgeable, thoughtful and respected by all. Kendal is poorer for his passing."