A DAIRY farmer awarded an MBE for his services to agriculture has died aged 78.

Joe Jackson, of Dill Hall Farm, Church, was well known throughout East Lancashire for pioneering innovative farming techniques. He went into farming after leaving school and was the third generation of the Jackson family at the Church farm.

Throughout his life, he played an active part in all aspects of farming. He was treasurer of the National Farmers Union in Accrington for about 30 years and the district's delegate for many years.

Until 1972, he was a member of the Lancashire Agricultural Executive. He was also on an advisory committee at the Great House experimental farm in Helmshore, as well as on a committee advising the Government on new farming methods.

His first involvement with agricultural affairs was during the war when he was the local representative on the agricultural executive committee. Mr Jackson was also familiar sight to residents in Church, delivering milk by horse and cart until the mid 1980s.

He spent the last 14 years of his life confined to a wheelchair after being paralysed when a chimney pot fell on his head during a fierce gale.

His son, Malcolm, who runs the farm, said: "He had to spend over a year in the spinal injuries unit in Southport. But after the accident he never complained about his injuries and did not lose his sense of humour."

Peter Hogan worked with Mr Jackson for 20 years and described him as a 'true gentleman.'

He said: "He was the most modest diplomatic gentleman I have ever known. He would help anybody."

Mr Jackson was a magistrate on the old Accrington bench for about 15 years and was a past president of Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary Club.

Tragically, he died at Blackburn Royal Infirmary on the same day as his wedding anniversary

His wife, Sheila, died in 1996 from cancer. They had lived in Simonstone following Mr Jackson's accident.

He also leaves a daughter-in-law, Lesley, and two grandchildren, Richard, 12, and Helen, 10.

The funeral service takes place at All Saints Church, Clayton-le-Moors, tomorrow, starting at 10am, followed by burial at Dill Hall Cemetery.

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