A MUCH-LOVED former mayor of Barrow has died at the age of 57.

Councillor Rory McClure, who represented Roosecote Ward, died on New Year’s Day.

Cllr McClure served the ward for 15 years and was mayor of the town between 2010 and 2011.

Councillor Ann Thomson said: “My colleagues across the council were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Rory McClure on New Year’s Day.

“Rory was a long-standing councillor who had served the borough - and in particular the residents he represented in Roosecote - for 15 years.

“His distinguished service saw him dedicate a huge amount of time to the town he loved.

“Rory was Mayor of Barrow between 2010 and 2011 and continued to play an active role in council life for many years.

“Our thoughts and condolences go to Rory’s family and friends at this time.”

Councillor Hazel Edwards, said: “We are incredibly sad to have to share news of the death of our dear friend and colleague, Rory.

“Rory was elected to Barrow Borough Council in 2003 and had worked tirelessly for the borough ever since, along with his wife Wendy, councillor for Newbarns.

“Rory’s sense of civic responsibility was incredibly strong and he was driven to helping and volunteering his time to organisations and charities whenever he could.

“He was very proud to have been voted in as Mayor of Barrow in 2010 and was always a superb ambassador for the borough.

“Rory was very well known and respected and is a huge loss to the community, the borough council and of course, to his family, friends and all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.”

Cllr McClure was often seen with his wife Wendy by his side on official engagements. She was mayoress during his term as mayor.

Councillor McClure’s family said: “We have been overwhelmed by the amount of love and support we have received from all the people whose lives he had touched.”

Details of the funeral arrangements will be released when they are confirmed.