CLUBLAND in Blackburn has been left saddened by the death of a well-known character known as Dancing Jack.

John Hodgkinson got his nickname because he was keen dancer in his younger years and was still a sprightly mover in later life despite having an injured leg.

Born in Wigan, Mr Hodgkinson, 74, worked for many years in the East Midlands before coming to Blackburn 40 years ago. During the war he served with the Royal Marines.

He worked for various building firms in the area before his retirement and was living at Keele Walk in Blackburn when he died.

He will be particularly fondly remembered by members of the Railway Club in Freckleton Street and Queen's Park Working Men's Club in Audley Range.

A friend from the Queen's Park club, Mr Doug Tolmie, said: "Jack was a smashing bloke and everybody loved him. He'll be sadly missed."

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