JIM Livesey, the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's chief engineer for more than 20 years, has died suddenly in hospital after a brief illness.

Mr Livesey, formerly of Kidder Street, Ewood, Blackburn, was 67.

A former chairman of Guide Conservative Club, he was a member of the its snooker team for many years.

During his time with the Evening Telegraph he also played football for the works team.

He moved to Norfolk on retiring but returned only months afterwards.

"He was a Blackburn person through and through and very quickly realised how much he missed the place," said his son John.

"He was very well known, not only by many Telegraph employees, but across the town."

A funeral service will be held at St Luke's with St Philip's Church, Bank Top, Blackburn, at 10.45 am on Monday.

This will be followed by cremation at Pleasington.

Mr Livesey leaves, a widow, Barbara; son John, daughter Anne and stepsons Stephen and Mark.