Cllr Featherstone (71) was elected to Derbyshire County Council in 1985 and represented the Eckington division, where he also lived, throughout his local government career.

The retired miner stepped down from his high profile roles of Labour group chief whip and regulatory and licensing committee chair in January due to ill health, but remained a member of the resources scrutiny committee, of Derbyshire Fire Authority and was chair of Three Valleys countryside management project steering committee.

Cllr Featherstone, a widower, died on Saturday. He leaves a son Steve and three grandchildren.

Paying tribute to his colleague, council leader Cllr John Williams said: "Derek was a very loyal person and was committed to Eckington and everything about it. He always put Eckington first and was dedicated to his constituents.

"Among the many other roles Derek had he also served as my committee vice-chair and you couldn't wish for anyone better to work with. His death is a sad loss."

Cllr Featherstone was formerly a member of the planning committee and of Derbyshire Police Authority. He had also served on the council's personnel and establishment committee, was vice-chair of technical services committee, chair of Eckington Conservation Area Partnership Scheme and chair of the facilities for disabled people group.

He had also been a governor at various Derbyshire schools for more than 20 years.