TRIBUTES have been paid to veteran Liberal Democrat campaigner and local activist Eric Hyde who died at the age of 73.

Mr Hyde, who stood as councillor for Little Lever last year, had been a member of the Lib Dems for more than 50 years.

Kevin Walsh, press officer for Bolton Liberal Democrats, said: “Eric Hyde was a councillor in all but name. A passionate campaigner and activist, providing help, support and guidance to residents across Darcy Lever and Little Lever, he would often be the first point of call for many looking to get a local issue dealt with.

“From bowling green vandalism to getting better public transport for residents, Eric would be at the front of the pack leading residents in their battles to fight for genuine change.”

He added: “Eric was a longstanding and passionate Liberal Democrat campaigner for over 50 years — becoming the youngest councillor ever to be elected on Salford council back in 1968 at the age of 23 - he was well liked and respected by people across the political spectrum.”

Mr Hyde first stood for the Liberal Democrats in Little Lever and Darcy Lever in 2007.

He was a trustee for Healthwatch; public elected governor at the Royal Bolton Hospital for Little Lever and Darcy Lever ward; vice chair of the Patient Staff and visitors committee; and a school governor at Mytham Primary School.

Mr Walsh said: “He consistently stood in local elections in the ward and grew his share of the vote from eight per cent to over 25 per cent — turning Little Lever and Darcy Lever into a real three-horse-race. He was Chairman of the local party between 2013 and 2016 and was also a representative to the Liberal Democrat Regional Executive. He was an inspiration to all and his passion and enthusiasm for helping his local community was infectious. Eric Hyde was a gentleman, colleague, mentor and friend.”

Cllr Sean Hornby, ward councillor for Little Lever and Darcy Lever, said: “I am saddened to hear of the death of a former candidate for the Liberal Democrats for many years for the Little Lever and Darcy Lever ward Eric Hyde.

“Politically I disagreed with Eric. However, he was passionate about our community and tried his best over many years campaigning for the people of the ward. He will be sadly missed and my condolences go out to his wife and family at this sad time on behalf of myself and my fellow councillors.”

Mr Hyde’s funeral will take place at St Matthew’s Church in Little Lever on Friday at 11.30am followed by committal at East Lancashire Crematorium.