A WELL-known publican has died aged 74 after a long period of poor health.

John Threlfall - known to everyone as Jack - of Weasel Lane, Tockholes, died last week after contracting pneumonia.

He had enjoyed a quarter of a century in charge of various pubs, often more than one at once, with his wife Joyce after the couple sold their four shoe shops.

They spent 27 years at the Victoria Hotel, Tockholes, four years at the Old Brown Cow, in Haslingden Road, Haslingden, five years in the Coach and Horses, also Haslingden Road, and 19 years in the Pack Horse, at Belthorn, before retiring in 2000.

Mrs Threlfall said: "He was a very out-going man and full of fun, who also spoke his mind."

The couple, who have no children, used to love ballroom dancing and won several trophies competing around Europe.