Tributes have been paid to the former Town Clerk and Chief Executive of Preston City Council, Jim Carr, 69,who died on Sunday.

Jim was Chief Executive at Preston City Council from March 1996 until his retirement in November 2009, and led Preston’s successful bid for city status in 2002 to become the Golden Jubilee City.

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This morning Preston City Council announced the sad news he had died, following several months of illness.

The Mayor of Preston, Coun Trevor Hart, said: ““This is very sad news. Jim was a great advocate for Preston and will be missed by councillors and council employees alike. What he achieved for Preston is evident – securing city status was the beginning of the regeneration we have seen over a number of years, and still continues today.

“He was very hard working and will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Jim leaves his wife of 42 years, Pauline and two sons, Matthew and Paul. He was born in Blackburn and having lived there all his life, he was a Blackburn Rovers fan and with his wife keen walkers and ballroom dancers.

Current Interim Chief Executive, Adrian Phillips, said: “I had the privilege of working with Jim for a great many years and always held him in the very highest esteem.

“Jim led from the front and by example. He was passionate about both delivering great services for the people of Preston and seeking growth and prosperity for the city. As a Chief Executive he embraced technology to improve services and worked tirelessly for Preston as the heart of Lancashire. He really believed in how great a city Preston could become for the benefit of all its residents.

“Jim was very well respected both within Preston and across Lancashire, we in this city and across our county have lost a great public servant and friend; however the fruits of his hard work for this city will benefit us all for many years to come. My thoughts are with his wife, Pauline and their family during this very sad time.”

Jim worked in local government for 41 years, serving at both Blackburn Council and the Commission for New Towns before Preston. He joined Preston Borough Council in October 1982 as Assistant Borough Treasurer and in 1992 was promoted to the post of Director of Finance. Jim became temporary Town Clerk/Chief Executive in March 1996 securing the permanent appointment in March 1997.

Read more: Emotional farewell to former Preston Council leader Peter Rankin at civic funeral