EMOTIONAL staff from Thwaites Brewery, Blackburn, fought back tears as the funeral cortege of former work colleague Keith Crossley called in at the brewery.

Scores of floral tributes were stacked in the company's vintage wagon for the procession yesterday to allow Thwaites workers to pay their last respects.

Grandfather Keith, 61, a former despatch supervisor at Thwaites, died of cancer at his home on Wilson Street, Blackburn, after an 18 month battle.

He leaves wife Kathleen, 62, three children Keith, Julie and Jacqueline and seven grandchildren.

A funeral service was held at Blackburn Cathedral.

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