A POPULAR publican who moved to East Lancashire from Belfast to start a new life in 1956 has died after a heart attack.

Father of three Robert Millar, 66, of Anne Close, Burnley, was known locally as Bob and passed away on Wednesday after being rushed to Burnley General Hospital.

His wife, Elsie Millar, 67, said his death was a "huge shock" for everybody because he had been fit and active throughout his life.

Elsie said: "He was a really kind and popular character who everybody liked to talk to. He had a certain abundance that everybody warmed to no matter how young or old they were."

Bob began his publican career at The Irish League, Walton Street, Nelson, in 1956, where he worked as the steward.

He then moved on to the Engineer Arms in Nelson where he and Elsie set up home after getting married in 1957 at Burnley Registrar Office. The Cross Keys in Burnley was the next stop for the Belfast born couple.

After many happy years there together they decided it was time for a move and headed for the Duke of York in Duke Bar, Burnley. They made many friends before moving again to the Derby, Colne Road, Burnley, in 1993.

Elsie said even though Bob officially retired nearly ten years ago he always offered his services for relief work for friends who had pubs in the area.

She said: "Bob could never get out of the pub trade even though we decided to retire together and start taking life a bit easier." Bob, has two grandchildren one living in Germany with his son Robert, 44, who serves in the army.

Family and friends from all over Ireland will be attending the funeral which will be held on Wednesday, May 22, at Burnley crematorium followed by a reception at Fulledge Conservative Club in Burnley.

The family are asking for donations to be made to The British Heart Foundation through Hartley Folds Funeral Directors, Colne Road, Burnley.