A former mayor of Lancaster and long-serving councillor who received the MBE for her many years of political service has died.
Alderman Jean Yates MBE was a former Lancaster city and Lancashire county councillor, and stood in the general election for Labour in Morecambe and Lunesdale in 1992.
Jean's political career began when she joined the Labour party in 1947, aged just 14, and she first stood for Lancaster City Council in 1974, becoming mayor in 1994/95.
She was awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List of 2016 for political service and service to the community in Lancashire, and was also a long-time President of the St John Ambulance Fellowship, and long-time chair of Heysham Mossgate Community Centre.
Councillor Margaret Pattison, current mayor of Lancaster, paid tribute to Mrs Yates and also Mike Greenall, another former mayor who died earlier this month.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of two former mayors, Jean Yates and Mike Greenall, both of whom gave so much of their lives to serving our community.
“Their deaths mark the loss of two dedicated public servants who each shared a strong commitment to public service. As councillors and as mayors, they served with integrity, dignity and pride.
“On behalf of the council and the wider community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Jean and Mike. They will both be remembered with gratitude and respect for the lasting contributions they made, and for the example they set in service to others.”
Councillor Colin Hartley, posting on the Heysham Labour Facebook page, said: "Sad to share the news that Heysham Labour member Alderman Jean Yates MBE died on 20th February.
"Jean had been a Lancaster city and county councillor and former Lancaster Mayor.
"She was a Labour stalwart, a comrade, a good friend and mentor to many. She will be missed."


Charity volunteer from Lancaster set for Grand Final of TV quiz Mastermind
LISTEN: Excitement builds for team behind Eden Project Morecambe 'Bring Me Sunshine' garden
WATCH: Lancaster boxer with bionic leg, 11, achieves his dream
Campaigner frustrated at "stalled" Morecambe Promenade open-air showers plan
Professional wrestling show to be held on Morecambe FC pitch for first time
Hundreds of kids to pay homage to Eric Morecambe as more centenary celebrations revealed
Giant blanket paying tribute to children killed in Gaza to go on display in Lancaster
Tributes pour in for Morecambe legend Roger the dancing man
Net Zero on the horizon for Lancaster University thanks to renewable energy investment
Vast majority of primary pupils get preferred school placement
Date announced for new number plate recognition parking system at Heysham medical centre
PHOTOS: Iconic 'M' arrives as new McDonald's in Morecambe takes shape
Victorian voices analysed in Lancaster University research about northern accent development
Young Lancaster dancers heading for iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Long-awaited demolition begins at eyesore alley on Morecambe Prom
By-election due after Lancaster councillor resigns
Government funding boost to help repair Lancaster City Museum
Mayor of Lancaster reflects on her "memorable and privileged" year
Grandmother from Morecambe becomes leading advocate for talking about AI
Bereaved mums help shape new compassionate maternity spaces at Royal Lancaster Infirmary

