A MAN has been hailed as "Mr Radio Lancashire" after he died aged 73.

John Fletcher W Richardson, died at Ninewells Hospital, Montrose, in Scotland on October 4 after a suffering a massive stroke and heart attack.

Known for his distinctive Geordie voice, he presented shows on BBC Radio Lancashire and its predecessor Radio Blackburn, from 1972 to 1985.

On the radio he was known as Fletcher Richardson.

He arrived at the BBC from the Methodist Church in the 60s with long hair, he became known as the 'Beatnik Vicar'.

He has been described as "BBC Radio Lancashire's father" by veteran presenter Joe Wilson and an "iconic broadcaster" by DJ Gerald Jackson.

Author and presenter Simon Entwistle said: "Fletcher may have been a Geordie, but was proud to be associated with Lancashire.

WIn my view he was Mr Radio Lancashire."

Gerald said: "Fletcher and I worked together on many programmes including AM/PM which I presented - but he also hosted.

"Fletch would take over for the phone-in section - something he was brilliant at.

"We worked together on some great editions, always funny, entertaining and rewarding."

Fletcher's personality spilled into the sermons he gave.

During one sermon at King George's Hall, he brought out a box of shoes, his message being other people's shoes', and then proceeded to shimmy across the floor in high heels.

Fletcher spent 25 years living in the Blackburn area, and was voted the best known voice in Lancashire.

In 1992, he returned to active ministry and was given a placement in Montrose, where he became a central part of the community.

Mike Bertram worked with Fletcher in the early 1990s at the Merriweather Home for homeless people in Preston.

He said: "Fletcher was an inspiration to all who worked with him and I had many long interesting conversations with him over his time working at the home."

He leaves wife Joan, daughter Amanda, son Simon, and grandson Karl.