THE funeral of a successful Rossendale businessman was held this week to remember a man who dedicated his life to building an empire, which has more than 100 staff.

A packed service to remember the life of James Killelea, 86, was held on Tuesday at St James The Less RC Church, Rawtenstall.

Born in Bury, he set up James Killelea & Co Ltd Structural Engineers, based in Stoneyholme Road, Crawshawbooth, in 1970, alongside his two sons Bob and Pat -- and at the time employed just three people.

In the businesses' 33 years of operation it has grown to become a nationally-recognised company after building new stands for Blackburn Rovers and Burnley FC, as well as Liverpool and Everton's grounds, to name just a few.

The company is now being run by brothers Bob and Pat.

James, who has four grandchildren, Amanda, Julie, Peter and John, and a great-grandson, Harvey, was well-known throughout Rossendale for his kind and generous character.

James married the late Jenny, who died two years ago, at Bury Guardian Angels Church in 1942, before they moved to Crawshawbooth and became parishioners at St James The Less. They both took an active role in the church and with the backing of James' company helped build its social centre at the church.

Following the church service, a gathering for friends and family was held at St Mary's Chambers, in Rawtenstall.