A RETIRED East Lancashire journalist, magistrate, church deacon and sportsman died yesterday aged 87.

Bill Palmer, who was born in Accrington, was educated at the town's grammar school and began his newspaper career at the Accrington Observer.

"He was my hero and I followed in his footsteps by becoming a journalist," said his son Leslie, a sub editor at the Liverpool Echo.

"He was well known as one of Accrington Stanley's most faithful supporters and much loved by both his family and a wide range of people in the community."

Bill served with the Royal Marines, based in Devon, during the war and his shorthand skills kept him away from the frontline.

During his 31 years with the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, he was first an Accrington district reporter, then a reporter at Blackburn and, finally, a sub editor.

In 1966, he became a magistrate for the borough of Accrington and held the post until 1982.

Bill was a life-long follower of Accrington Stanley and reported on both home and away games during their football league heyday. His interest in sport also extended to cricket. He followed Accrington and played the game for Accrington Casuals well into his 50s.

For many years, he was a deacon at Cannon Street Baptist Church in Accrington and lived in Bank Street, Accrington, for the last six years.

He developed arthritis in the last 15 years and died in Blackburn Royal Infirmary in the early hours of yesterday after suffering a stroke and undergoing a hip operation.

Bill was married to Nellie for 61 years and also leaves a daughter Marjorie, who is a retired teacher, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The funeral will be held on Thursday at Sacred Heart Church at 1.15pm followed by cremation at 2pm.

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