JACQUELINE and John Slater would like to thank all our constituents, may I say friends, for all their cards, flowers and tributes paid to Fred.

I thank them for their understanding and kindness at this very difficult time.

I am still trying to come to terms with it all, but John has now resumed his full duties and I will follow shortly.

COUN JACQUELINE SLATER, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.