THE former Provost of Blackburn was today described as a 'one off' as the town's leading clergy paid tribute following his death.

The Very Rev Lawrence Jackson died on Friday, aged 76.

Mr Jackson, Provost of Blackburn for 19 years until 1992, was known to friends and colleagues as a 'great man.' Today, the Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Reverend Alan Chesters said: "He put Blackburn on the map. He was known internationally and nationally, so he really helped put Blackburn on the map. You would always come across people who appreciated what he had done for them and he had the highest standards of excellence in the Cathedral."

When Mr Jackson was installed as Provost in 1973 the town prepared for a lively surprise as he brought with him a reputation as an extrovert who did not fit the popular view of the clergy.

In eight years as Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Coventry, the then Canon described himself as having "one ear turned to the world and the other to the Gospel."

The Yorkshireman immediately made an impact in Lancashire, blasting vandals for making the town centre an eyesore and campaigning on issues such as education, violence, duty, loyalty and public services.

He worked closely with the then Mayor of Blackburn, Malcolm Doherty, to bring civic and clerical authorities closer together.

Mr Doherty said: "He was a true one-off and a real character. He was a great man of humour and always had a feel that the cathedral was the centre of the Diocese.

"I found him very easy to get along with."

He was first elected to sit on the General Synod in 1974 and was re-elected in October 1990.

The Provost was a Church Commissioner with special responsibilities for the housing of clergy and served on the Church Commissioners' House Committee.

He was also known throughout Lancashire for masterminding the fundraising scheme to pay for restorations to the Cathedral.

His ability in public speaking won him a national compliment in 1990 when he received an award from the National Association of Toastmasters.

By then, the Provost carried with him a reputation for witty and amusing speeches and was offered professional work, which he declined.

"You will never have two Lawrence Jacksons," said the Bishop of Lancaster, the Rt Rev Stephen Pedley, who was curate with the Rt Rev Jackson in Coventry.

"He was a distinguished speaker sought after the length and breadth of the land as he really was regarded as the best after dinner speaker.

"He was a very big hearted and generous man with a great sense of humour."

Canon Godrey Hurst, who worked at Blackburn Cathedral for five years, said: "He knew exactly how to stage a service like theatre and really knew the great and the good."

He was also a freemason and retired in 1992 to Warwickshire with his wife. Archaeology, architecture, music and cricket were among his hobbies.

Mr Jackson is survived by his wife, Faith, and four daughters. Arrangements are being made for a funeral which is expected to take place at Holy Trinity Church, in Coventry. A memorial service in Blackburn is planned for the New Year.