ONE of Manchester's longest serving councillors, former Lord Mayor Bill Risby, has died in a car accident.

Mr Risby was one of the founders of the Nuclear Free Movement - and famously led the declaration of Manchester as a Nuclear Free city.

It is thought Mr Risby, 78, who had suffered poor health for months, may have had a seizure while driving on Moston Lane. He collided with another car and died a short time later in hospital.

Mr Risby's opposition to nuclear power and support for renewable energy inspired local authorities across the country to follow Manchester's `nuclear free' example. He was also a leading figure in the city's trade union movement and led several council committees.

He was elected Lord Mayor in 1993 and most recently represented Moston.

Fellow politicians paid tribute to Mr Risby, who served as a Labour councillor for 36 years.

Manchester Blackley MP Graham Stringer said: "Bill had a passionate commitment to the peace movement and was instrumental in setting up the world's first nuclear free zone in Manchester and helping the movement to expand internationally.

"He was a committed Christian and believed that everybody was equal. He did his best for the poor and the excluded and despised racism."

"Bill was an excellent councillor who worked closely with many tenants and residents groups and he will be sorely missed."

He was first elected to the Moston Ward seat in May 1971, he later served Blackley and Lightbowne. In 2004 he was once again elected as councillor for Moston.

Manchester council leader Sir Richard Leese said: "Bill was a friend and colleague and an outstanding servant to Manchester, and especially Moston.

"He played an important role in the city's life including serving as Lord Mayor, and will be particularly remembered for his work campaigning against nuclear weapons and energy that led to Manchester being declared a nuclear-free city in 1980.

"Bill was fiercely proud of his North Manchester roots and gave years of public service helping local people. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

He leaves wife Marie and three grown-up children, Michael, Brendan and John.

Marie paid emotional tribute to him. They met in 1950 and married in Leeds in 1954.

In a statement she said: "I will miss Bill very much. He was my strength, mentor and love of my life."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash to call them on 0161 856 3572.