DEVELOPER John Ashworth, whose company Hurstwood Developments was responsible for building many parts of Rossendale, has lost his fight against cancer.

Hurstwood built Medex Medical on Carrs Industrial Estate, Haslingden, which brought an American company and 100 jobs to the Valley, the company also built Focus Do It All in Bocholt Way, Thwaites distribution centre in Blackburn and was responsible for building many houses in East Lancashire and restoring many other mill buildings.

A tribute to John has been paid by B&E Boys. A spokesperson for the company said: "As a company from a similar line of business, we recognise John Ashworth has contributed significantly in many ways to the Rossendale area.

"His death is a sad loss to many local people and industry in general, who have benefited from John's business acumen and entrepreneurial style over several decades.

"And it is a huge loss of a good friend to Brian, John, Michael and Peter Boys."

John Charles Ashworth was born in Edenfield and attended Edenfield School and the parish church.

Seven years ago he moved from Rossendale and took over Bramley Mead Hall, in Whalley, which is where he died peacefully on Saturday after a long illness. He was 54.

He had also recently become the co-owner of the newly-named Mitton Hall Country House Hotel, in Whalley.

In 1977 he formed his own business, Hurstwood Developments, after working on the construction of the Edenfield bypass and then training as a quantity surveyor.

He built the business into the Hurstwood Group of Companies with interests in property, development and construction, hotel and nightclub, a truss rafter manufacturer, a bathroom centre and a Bentley and Lotus dealership, employing more than 250 people.

The funeral will be at Edenfield Parish Church tomorrow at 1pm.