MOURNERS gathered today for the funeral of former newspaper proprietor Harry Crossley MBE at St Mary Magdalen Church, Accrington.

Mr Crossley, who was 77, was the former chairman and managing director of the Accrington Observer and Times, the newspaper his grandfather founded more than a century ago.

He joined the company as a management trainee in 1937 in the composing and editorial departments before war service took him with the 8th Army to North Africa.

Leaving the Army with the rank of captain, he rejoined the newspaper and did a number of jobs before becoming joint managing director with Eric S Crossley in 1959, and then sole MD nine years later.

In 1987 he received an MBE for his services to the newspaper industry in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Mr Crossley, who lived in Whalley Road, Accrington, was also active for many years in the NSPCC and was a member of Accrington Rotary Club.

His son Richard said: "He was a much respected member of the newspaper publishing industry and the local community. He will be sadly missed."

The husband of the late Patricia, Mr Crossley also leaves a daughter, Susan, and another son, Henry.

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