ULVERSTON is in mourning after a leading pillar of the community passed away.

Coun Colin Hodgson, who oversaw the reopening of the symbolic Sir John Barrow Monument, died in Furness General Hospital yesterday after a short illness.

Mayor Pat Jones said: "We are absolutely devastated. Colin was such a nice man and he did so much for the town.

"He was Mr Hoad and he worked so hard for Ulverston. He was proud of Ulverston and we were proud of him."

A minute's silence will be held during the town council's meeting on Monday evening from 7.15pm in the town hall.