A FORMER director of Lancashire Social Services has died at the age of 68.

Tom Foster, of Beech Avenue, Anderton, was head of social services at Lancashire County Council from 1985 to 1990.

Chorley borough councillor Pat Case, who worked with Mr Foster, described him as a "very kind and motivated man who was professionally concerned about the needs of people who had learning disabilities."

She added: "I first met him when he was a member of the North West Regional Health Authority working group for services for people with learning disabilities and Tom represented all the directors of social services. He was part of the team which at that time was very much at the forefront of improving services for people with disabilities."

The funeral took place at Rivington Parish Church on Monday, June 10, and was followed by a private cremation.

Any donations are to be made to the Mental Health Foundation care of the funeral directors who are B Livesey Ltd, 31 Bolton Street, Chorley, PR7 3AA.

Mr Foster, who died peacefully at Chorley and South Ribble District General Hospital on May 30, leaves a widow Beryl and two daughters, Gillian and Carolyn.