Dales councillor funeral today

The county and district councillor Mike Longden, who died two days before the general election will be remembered at 2,30pm at St Anne’s Church, baslow.

The family requested no flowers and any donations be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Research. Cheques should be made payable to Sheffield Charities Account 4110.

A Conservative councillor, Mike, 74, was a serving county councillor for Derwent Valley electoral division.

Elected in 2009, he took up the post of cabinet member for education for the next four years.

Mike had also been a Derbyshire Dales district councillor since 2003, but had announced his decision to step down from the Chatsworth ward at this month’s elections.

A trained accountant and former managing director of a manufacturing and distribution company in Derbyshire, Mike was also a director and trustee of the Derbyshire Rural Communities Council and a trustee of the Baslow Sports Field Trust.

He leaves his wife Chris and four children.

Colleague and conservative leader at the County Council, Barry Lewis, said: “Mike was perhaps the most dedicated councillor I have ever encountered, and a true example to us all.

“His focus was always the children and ensuring they had the best education and facilities he could bring to bear.

“He was a true public servant, no issue was too trivial and every matter had his full attention. And right to the end, despite being ill, he was dealing with local matters.

“He was a true gentleman, a friend to many and always ready with warm words and a bright smile. He will be sorely missed by a great many.”