A LEADING light among country-and-western music fans in East Lancashire has died at the age of 68.

Jack Caddens, of Albion Street, Blackburn, was one of the founders of the Oozebank Country-and-Western Charity Club in Whalley Range, and a member of the British Association For All Country Music.

The former carpet backer was a lifelong fan of his native Glasgow Rangers and also supported his adopted Blackburn Rovers.

His best friend, James Rimmer, of Apple Court, Blackburn, said: "He was a lifelong fan of Hank Williams and a great supporter of country music in Blackburn."

He leaves his mother, who is 87, a daughter and son, three brothers and two sisters.