WARM tributes have been paid by friends and colleagues of the much-loved former Penketh councillor Harry Bennett, whose funeral took place last Wednesday.

Mr Bennett, formerly of Meeting Lane, Penketh, died on Saturday, June 28, aged 66. He passed away peacefully in Dundalk, Republic of Ireland, where he had moved with his wife, Sheila, a year ago.

A stalwart of Penketh and Cuerdley Labour Party, Mr Bennett served as a county councillor for Penketh and Whitecross from 1981 to 1998, and was made an honourary alderman of the borough in recognition of his years of service.

Mr Bennett served on Penketh Parish Council, and as chairman of Penketh and Sankey Youth Centre.

He also worked tirelessly for trade union rights, particularly as a member of the North West Regional Council of the builders' union, UCATT.

Clr Paul Langford, secretary of Penketh and Cuerdley Labour Party, said Mr Bennett would be remembered as a 'hero of Socialism'.

Said Clr Langford: "Harry loved a debate and was at his happiest when involved in discussion on the political topics of the day. Many a Tuesday night at Penketh Sports and Social Club was spent putting the world to rights. Harry was a leading spirit, and brought a sense of blood and thunder to our discussions.

"The peacefulness of his passing does not ease the sense of bitterness at its suddenness. Harry was a true man of the people. In Penketh, as we celebrate his life and achievements, there will be much to reminisce and mull over," he said.

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