THE former Honorary Recorder of Burnley, Judge Ian Webster, has died just days before his 77th birthday.
Judge Webster -- known affectionately as "Webbie" to those who met and worked with him -- died after a long illness.
A father of two and grandfather, Judge Webster was born and bred in Rochdale where he still lived until his death, with his wife of more than 50 years, Margaret.
He liked to describe himself as "an East Lancashire lad who knows East Lancashire people."
He attended Rochdale Boys' Grammar School before going on to Manchester University.
He was called to the Bar in 1948 after a stint as a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm.
Judge Webster had a legal practice in Manchester until, in 1976, he became the permanent chairman of industrial tribunals in the city.
His funeral will be on Thursday at 10am at Rochdale Parish Church.
Full obituary tomorrow
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