ONE memory of Jack Walker will live with Home Secretary Jack Straw for ever.

"It was at Anfield when we lost the game but Rovers won the Championship," explained the Blackburn MP.

"I had taken my daughter Charlotte who was nine at the time and we saw Jack after the game when the atmosphere was electric.

“Jack came up to her and gave her the biggest kiss you can imagine! It was one of those magical moments I shall remember for ever."

And Mr Straw said Jack's influence in the town would live on for decades to come.

"He was a brilliant businessman and helped create so much wealth and jobs for the town.

"I was with him and Fred at the opening of the Walker Park estate which is now helping to create hundreds of jobs.

“That is another great example of the impact Jack has had and will continue to have on the town."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, who has been a Rovers fan since the age of five, said: "It is terrible news.

"Everyone who is a genuine Rovers fan will first of all want to send their very best wishes to Jack's family and pay tribute to a man who built a dream.

"He will be remembered for ever as the man who brought the Premiership trophy to Blackburn and I am upset as all Rovers fans will be.

"The best tribute that can be given to him now is for the club to go up again this season."

Burnley MP Peter Pike described the news as tragic.

Mr Pike, a keen Burnley fan, said: "He obviously put Blackburn Rovers on the football map and the success of Blackburn Rovers has done good for Lancashire as a whole.

“Even as a Clarets supporter I recognise that."

Mr Pike said Blackburn was one of only a small number of clubs to have won the Premiership and that was a remarkable achievement.

He added: "Obviously Mr Walker was a diehard Blackburn Rovers supporter all his life. Even when living away he maintained that link and came over to matches."

Burnley Liberal Democrat leader Gordon Birtwistle said Jack Walker had put both the football club and the town on the world map.

"His contribution to Blackburn cannot be overstated," said Coun Birtwistle, a Rovers season ticket holder for over 40 years.

“He took a third division team and transformed it into a premier side which reached the pinnacle of success.

"I was in Dubai this year and businessmen there said they had never heard of Blackburn until the club challenged for the European Cup - that is kind of recognition Jack Walker gained for the town."

Coun Birtwistle, who owns an engineering company in Oswaldtwistle said Mr Walker was the most "straight and honest" businessmen he had ever dealt with.

"His word was his bond."

Burnley Mayor Coun Rafique Malik commented: "This is very sad news and a great loss to the area."

He added: "I never met him myself but he was obviously a very kind person who spent a great deal of money on supporting the club.

"I of course support Burnley but recognise the great support that he gave to Blackburn.

"He had a great heart for football."