TRIBUTES have been paid to a leading trade unionist and campaigner, who has died suddenly.

Councillor Derrick Little, of Stanley, branch secretary of the GMB trade union at Durham County Hall for more than 30 years, is thought to have suffered a heart attack at work last Friday.

He was treated at the University Hospital of North Durham, but died at lunchtime on Thursday.

The 64-year-old represented Labour during two stints on Derwentside District Council, but will be best remembered as an active campaigner, on both union and community issues.

During the 1984-5 strike, Mr Little played an active role in the miners' support groups in Durham. After the strike, he was a leading light in two projects arising out of his love of the mining heritage of the Stanley area, the publication of the works of the pitman poet Tommy Armstrong and the campaign to erect a permanent pit wheel memorial to the 168 men and boys who died in the Stanley Pit Disaster of 1909.

He was first elected to represent Tanfield ward on Derwentside District Council in the late 1980s. He then became chairman of the committee which oversaw the council's direct service workforce.

Coun Little lost his seat in 1999, but after a break, returned to the authority when he won the Havannah ward in 2003.

But he is best known for his campaigns outside the council chamber. He played a key role in the campaign earlier this year which saved a number of county council-run care homes from closure and was also instrumental in moves to set up a town council for his native Stanley.

Durham North MP Kevan Jones said: "It is very, very sad news. Not only was Derrick a good friend, but he was also a stalwart of the union and a great advocate for Stanley and its people."

Mark Lloyd, chief executive of Durham County Council, added: "Derrick will be missed enormously within the county council for his powerful advocacy on behalf of the trade union members, who he so ably represented.

"The combination of his passion for equity and fairness and his love for County Durham made him an exceptional branch secretary.

"Our thoughts are with Derrick's family and wide circle of friends following his untimely passing."

He is survived by his wife, Norma, his two children, Julie and Jon, and one grandchild.

Mr Little's funeral service will take place on Thursday, at 11.30am, in St Andrew's Church, Stanley, followed by cremation at Mountsett crematorium, in Dipton.