TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Oldham councillor who has passed away aged 61.

Lib Dem member Angie Farrell, who was also a former chair of Shaw and Crompton Parish Council, died on May 15.

She is survived by her husband Wayne and son Simon.

Remembering his colleague and friend, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Oldham Council, Cllr Howard Sykes, said: "I first met Angie, along with Tony her first husband, who died so young and tragically, when they moved to Shaw from Brent many moons ago.

"They soon both got roped into activities locally in Shaw and Crompton with the Liberal Democrats.

"Angie had many challenges in her personal life, but you would never know. She was a 100 per cent a glass half full person.

"She always had time for other people and their problems and was terrier-like in getting justice and fair treatment for people.

"She was a first-class ward colleague, elected twice, and it was an honour and pleasure to serve with her from 2002-2007.

"It was great to have her back on the Parish Council between 2015-19, where once again she was a credit to her community especially in the year she was chairman.

"There is a very long list of committees and bodies she served on during her public life. It is impossible to list them all.

"The ones I remember her making and impact on were the licensing committee; health and environment overview and scrutiny committee; health and adult social services overview and scrutiny commission; Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People; First Choice Homes Oldham – Shaw and Royton Local Board; and she was also a very active member of the A V Davies Charity, which I chair."

Away from the council chamber, Mr Sykes also remembered Angie as a good friend and avid sports fan.

He added: "A lifelong fan of rugby league she travelled all over the country in her passion for the game. I had the honour of attending the Grand Final one year at Old Trafford with her and Wayne and typical of Angie, she sorted the tickets and all arrangements out.

"She survived the difficult times when husband Tony passed away, supported by her family and especially her son Simon. It was great to see she found happiness once more when she married Wayne.

"I have many found memories of my friend, who always had a smile. We shared one New Year’s Eve together at her home with Wayne.

"Our planned take away arrived much later than planned and we all had a few too many drinks before it did.

"That was Angie all over, a first-class champion for residents but a happy and jolly soul always up for a laugh, a drink and was always good company.

"I was proud to call her my friend and her family should be very proud of the real difference she made to many people’s lives by her interventions.

"She will be sadly missed by her family but also by many in Shaw and Crompton."

A private funeral service will take place at Oldham Crematorium on Wednesday, at 3pm. A link to a webcasting of the service will be shared in the coming days by Hedley Jackson Funeral Directors.

Family flowers only but donations can be made to The Samaritans c/o Lyon House, 48-52 Rochdale Rd, Shaw, Oldham OL2 7SA, For more information call 01706 847 422.