A LEADING figure in Lancashire sporting life has celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary.

Ken Dean is chairman of Blackburn Sunday Football League, president of Blackburn District Bowls League, and an executive member of Blackburn Sports Council.

He and his wife Doris have lived at Queen's Road, Blackburn, for 40 years. They have two children, three grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Colleagues, family and friends celebrated their anniversary at a party in the Manxman Hotel, Manxman Road.

The couple met as teenagers while dancing at Accrington Conservative Club and later married at St Joseph's Church, Blackburn, in 1954.

As a young man, Mr Dean grew up in Great Harwood and attended St Hubert's School.

He initially worked as an apprentice engineer at Clayton-le-Moors, making spinning machines for the Courtalds textile firm.

But the Clayton-le-Moors engineering plant was eventually taken over by another firm and later GEC.

Mr Dean joined Blackburn's Royal Ordnance factory and had other jobs, before retiring five years ago.

He served on various committees and had leading roles with St Joseph's FC, Blackburn Combination, Lancashire Combination and North West Counties League.