THE family of a former Lancashire Evening Telegraph employee today paid tribute to his life.

Albert Haworth, 83, known as Bert, of Beech Street, Rawtenstall, died from pneumonia on Tuesday, December 30, at Burnley General Hospital.

He had been ill for about 12 months and had had a pacemaker fitted after suffering two heart attacks. A parishioner at St Paul's Church, Constablelee, he worked in the newspaper business all his life.

Bert started working for the Lancashire Evening Telegraph as a circulation representative when he left school.

After working there for many years he moved to the Rochdale Observer Group, where he worked as circulation manager until his retirement.

He served with the RAF in the Second World War and, as a keen follower of most sports, he was also well known in the Valley as a snooker referee.

In his later years he became an enthusiastic supporter of crown green bowling.

The popular family man leaves his wife Betty, daughter Sheila, son Brian, daughter-in-law Yvonne, grandchildren, Christopher, Jayne, Jamie, Julie and Andrew and Great-grandchildren Liam and Loran.

Yvonne, 54, of Lawson Street, Rawtenstall, said: "He had a very outgoing personality. He had a lot of friends and thought a lot of his family and he will be very sadly missed by everyone."

The funeral will take place on Friday, January 9, at 11am at St Paul's Church, Constablelee, conducted by Father Christopher Hilton, followed by a cremation at Burnley Crematorium at noon.

The family have requested family flowers only and donations to Pendlebury Children's Hospital via Fred Hamer Funeral Service, James Street, Rawtenstall.