AN INQUEST into the death of a much-loved former Barrow mayor is scheduled to take place at the end of this week.

Councillor Rory McClure, who represented Roosecote Ward, died on New Year’s Day at the age of 57.

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

The inquest is due to take place at Cockermouth Coroner's Court on Friday, November 6.

At the time of his death, council leader 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, leader of the Conservative Group, at the time 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.”

The inquest is estimated to take an hour to conclude.