A service to celebrate his life will take place on Monday, January 19 at The Ellers Chapel in Ulverston at 11:30am.

His family said: “Colin was a much loved husband of Judy and loving father of Alisoun and Jenny, father-in-law to Sue and Darren, and proud grandad to Noah and Beth. He was an active figure in the community and a good friend to many here and in West Lancashire.”

Born in Dalton, he first took the parliamentary seat for West Lancashire in April 1992 until his retirement at the General Election in 2005 before moving to Ulverston.

He became known for his staunch work in the community of Ulverston during his time on the Town Council.

Fellow Councillor and current Mayor of Ulverston Shirley-Anne Wilson said: “Colin was a much respected and well liked Ulverston ex-town councillor, leader and community stalwart – he supported many councillors who were starting their political journey. He gave very wise counsel and was such an interesting person to spend time with – his knowledge of local history was phenomenal. He will be much missed as a colleague, a good friend and of course by Judy and family of which he was so proud.”

Mr Pickthall was also one of the founding members of Ford Park and a driving force behind its development as Chair for many years.

Michelle Scrogham, the MP for Barrow and Furness and Ulverston Town Councillor said “Colin was a true champion for Ulverston and dedicated his life to public service, serving as Member of Parliament for West Lancashire for 13 years before returning to Ulverston and becoming a hard-working Town Councillor – a role that many don’t realise is unpaid voluntary work, and very often thankless.

Colin joined me to campaign in his old stomping ground in West Lancs during the recent by-election and was tickled pink to still be remembered fondly on the doorsteps.

He was incredibly generous with his time when I stood as the candidate for the Labour Party, and was refreshingly honest with the advice he gave a newbie MP; something that I will be forever grateful for. He will be very much missed.”

On the day of Mr Pickthall’s funeral, the Union Flag will be lowered to half mast on the Town Council office as a mark of respect.